Universities go head to head at Melrose 7s

The match, between the university rugby sevens teams, will take place prior to the tournament final in front of a crowd of thousands at the Greenyards.

The 2017 tournament is expected to be hotly contested, with guest teams from Western Province (RSA), Sweden, Co-optimists and Harlequins joining Scottish clubs in competing for the coveted Melrose Sevens Ladies Cup.

Trevor Jackson, president of Melrose RFC, said the prospect of having two of Scotland’s ancient universities add to the exceptional atmosphere at the Melrose 7s was truly exciting.

“This is a must-see match for students, alumni and rugby enthusiasts alike,” he added. “In this Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology, we are particularly delighted to welcome both the University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews to the birthplace of the 7s, and to celebrate the legacy of Ned Haig.”

David Ross, director of rugby at St Andrews University, said it was delighted to accept the invitation to be part of the Melrose 7s this year in what was a great addition to the tournament.

“To showcase our rugby programme in front of a huge crowd is something we are used to with the Scottish Varsity Match at BT Murrayfield – but to get the opportunity to play at the home of 7s in such a prestigious and world-class event is a special honour for our club,” he added.

“We thank Melrose RFC for recognising the student game and the quality rugby programmes that both St Andrews and Edinburgh have in place. The players are very excited once again to challenge themselves in the oldest university rivalry in the world and promise to put on some stunning 7s to entertain the crowd.”

David Adamson, head of men’s rugby at Edinburgh, said: “Edinburgh University RFC has a strong and proud tradition of 7s, having participated in a number of tournaments all around the world in the past 10 years, and having been part of the ‘King of the 7s’ since its inception.

“But to be invited to participate against our oldest rivals, the University of St Andrews, at the oldest 7s tournament in the world is a great honour and one that our players and club can’t wait to embrace and be part of.

“To have two of the world’s oldest Universities playing at the home of 7s, at a time when the abbreviated version of the game is going from strength to strength and attracting a more and more diverse audience, the Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose 7s seems like the perfect partnership, for Melrose RFC and our two universities to be part of.

“We also thank Melrose RFC for the opportunity for both sets of students to showcase their talents to an audience who may not realise the skill and tenacity that currently vie their trade in the university game.”

Councillor David Parker, leader of Scottish Borders Council, said: “Melrose Sevens seems the perfect setting for two of Scotland’s oldest universities to face each other, and should encourage even more visitors to make their way to the picturesque Borders town for this year’s tournament.

“The addition of the Borders Railway also means people can enjoy a car-free Melrose 7s, with shuttle buses to be provided from nearby Tweedbank Rail Station to the Greenyards throughout the day.”

The University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews recently contested the Royal Bank of Scotland Scottish Varsity Match at the BT Murrayfield Stadium in front of 10,000 plus fans.

Tickets for the 7s are available fromwww.melrose7s.comor directly from Melrose Rugby Club.

The draw for the tournament will be made in the clubrooms at the Greenyards on a date to be confirmed. Members of the public wishing to attend will be made welcome, while details will be posted on the website, social media and weekly newsletter when the date is available.

Scott Docherty, rugby captain at University of St Andrews, and Nick Stephen, his opposite number at the University of Edinburgh, at The Royal Bank of Scotland Scottish Varsity Match in 2016 (picture by Scottish Rugby/SNS Images).