AN invitational side containing several current members of the Scotland 7s programme will compete in the inaugural ‘semi-pro’ Ned Haig Cup at the Melrose 7s Festival over the weekend of 11th-12th April.
The Scottish Thistles will be the vehicle to get some valuable game time for Ciaran Beattie‘s squad after the HSBC World Sevens Series legs in Singapore and Hong Kong were postponed because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) threat.
The Thistles have competed at Melrose 7s in the past, notably winning the Ladies’ Cup in 2008 with a squad containing future Scotland internationals Greig Laidlaw, Chris Fusaro and Richie Vernon, as well as now full-time referee Mike Adamson.
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“An invite for the Scottish Thistles to compete at Melrose for the Ned Haig Cup is something that is not only prestigious in itself, it will allow players to keep up valuable match sharpness against strong opposition ahead of upcoming scheduled rounds of the HSBC World Sevens Series in Paris and London,” said Scotland 7s head coach Beattie.
“For some of the Scottish players, getting to play at the historic birthplace of sevens in Melrose is an rare opportunity, so they are sure to make the most of it on what should be a special weekend.”
Phil Morris, Melrose Sevens tournament director, added: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Scottish Thistles will be taking part in the new look Melrose Sevens this April. This year is shaping up to be a fantastic event with some great talent from all around the world. But having a team like the Thistles involved, at the home of Sevens, is really special. We’re sure to see some Scotland International stars of the future on display as they look to repeat the team’s Sevens success of 2008.”
Melrose Rugby unveil first tranche of guest sides to compete in the Ned Haig Cup
I bet Melrose wish they had such power over the BBC!
Interesting to see if BBC still televise Saturday’s World famous club 7s or will they be pressurised by Melrose to cover the Pro 7s on Sunday .
BBC won’t do both
They’re going to ruin their own original tournament for what .
To have a pro tournament with 5 French teams included
The amateur tourney will not interest Melrose for much longer .
They have their ‘Knights ‘ to look after