Scottish Varsity teams to clash at historic Melrose Sevens
Submitted by Melrose RFC Two of Scotland’s ancient universities, The University of Edinburgh and the University of St Andrews, are set to clash for the first time at The Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens on Saturday 8 April 2017. The match between the university rugby sevens teams will take place prior to the 2017 Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens 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 2017 Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens is truly exciting. This is a must-see match for students, alumni and rugby enthusiasts alike.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 Sevens, and to celebrate the legacy of Ned Haig.”David Ross, Director of Rugby, University of St Andrews, said: “University of St Andrews is delighted to accept the invitation to be part of The Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose 7s this year in what is 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 a special honour for our club.”We would like to thanks 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 to once again 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, The University of 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, and so we 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 that people can enjoy a car-free Melrose Sevens, 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 Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens on Saturday 8 April 2017 are available from www.melrose7s.com or directly from Melrose Rugby Club.For further information contact: Douglas Hardie. E: [email protected]. T: 01896 822183Corporate Hospitality will again be available at the Greenyards on Sevens day, for further information contact:Douglas Hardie. T: 01896 822183. E: [email protected] Partner – Myeloma UKMyeloma UK Head of External Affairs Fiona Harvey said, “We are delighted to have been chosen as Melrose Sevens charity partner for 2017. Myeloma is a rare and incurable form of bone marrow cancer and so it’s hugely important to develop a greater understanding of it and how it affects people. It really is a privilege to be part of such a huge sporting event that will help us to raise awareness and show support for the tens of thousands of patients, family and friends currently living with myeloma in the UK.”The Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens DrawThe draw for the 2017 Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens will be made in the Clubrooms at the Greenyards (date TBC). Members of the public wishing to attend will be made very welcome. Details will be posted on the Melrose RFC website, social media and weekly newsletter when the date is available.Tickets for the 136th anniversary of the annual Melrose Sevens on Saturday 8 April are available via www.melrose7s.com or direct from the club – concessions and family tickets are also now available.
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