Melrose RFC are delighted that Electra-com are back to support our rugby activities, through their sponsorship of the Vets tournament.

The club has benefited, over a number of years, from the financial support of the company, together with personal support of Harry and Jackie Cummings, the founders of the business.

Harry is always ready to give his views on how the 1st XV are playing and his banter is a welcome presence in the clubrooms.

Origin and Inspiration

This year at Melrose it is our 125th anniversary of sevens and this has inspired us to extend our event to include complimentary tournaments on the week of our sevens. We have a Veterans’ Ten-a-side on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th April 2008, a Ladies’ Sevens event on the Thursday and Youths Sevens on the Friday. The main Sevens Tournament is Saturday 12th April 2008.

Veterans’ Rugby and Ten-a-Side

Our definition of Vets is players over the age of 35 at the time of tournament. We will not be asking participants for evidence of age and will instead rely on the honesty of individuals. That said, after two hard days of socialising and rugby if anyone is looking too sprightly on the Friday afternoon they may be challenged to produce a birth certificate!

With Melrose being the birthplace of sevens we did consider seriously if this event be seven-a side and where our heads said "yes" our bodies all said "no" and we compromised on a ten-a-side format which, although not extensively played, is becoming increasingly popular. The teams should consist of 5 forwards and 5 backs and we are encouraging participating teams to travel with a squad of 15 players, however more or less will be acceptable if not advisable.

Format of Event

Each participating team is guaranteed 5 games, 3 on day 1 and 2 minimum on day 2. There will be 16 teams in total divided into 4 pools of 4 and on day 1 each team will play all other teams in the group. The top 2 teams in each group will participate in the cup on day 2, and the bottom 2 teams will go into a plate competition. Day 2 will be a knockout competition but you will be guaranteed a second game as there will be losers’ semi-finals in both the cup and the plate.

Interested in Competing?

Our competition is by invite only however there are some places left and if your team is interested in participating then please apply to us by emailing vets@melrose125.com and it may that your team could fill one of the remaining available slots. Please supply us with details of your Club and where you are from, we are interested in Club teams from all over the world.

Social

One of the most important aspects for us is to make the trip to Melrose either as a participant or a spectator as exciting as possible. Specially organised entertainment functions are scheduled to take place on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings which will include participants from the Vets and Ladies tournaments as well as spectators and locals all of whom will be primed to enjoy their rugby but most definitely enjoy the party afterwards.

Contact Us

If you would like any further information specifically regarding the Vets Tournament then please email vets@melrose125.com

We look forward to meeting you at the Melrose 125 in April 2008.