TIGER RUGBY from the USA and Stellenbosch University from South Africa have joined London Scottish as guest teams for the 2019 Aberdeen Standard Investments Melrose Sevens. Both teams have competed at the Greenyards before, and the student side will be looking for their third title after winning The Ladies Cup in 2004 and 2005.
Founded in 2007, Tiger Rugby – based in Roswell, Georgia – has a number of sevens greats and five former Olympians in their ranks. The team will be hoping to make it third time lucky at The Greenyards this year.
“We can’t wait to return to the Scottish Borders for the Aberdeen Standard Investments Melrose Sevens next year,” said Tiger Rugby co-owner Paul Holme. “We always get such a great welcome, and the support from the crowds makes it all worthwhile. Playing in the birthplace of rugby sevens makes this a very special trip for us, and we’re determined to bring the Ladies Cup home to the USA with us on our third visit.”
Stade Niçois will appeal against relegation after posting a financial loss
2018: A year in photographs PART ONE – from January to June
2018: A year in photographs PART TWO – from July to December
Meanwhile, Stellenbosch Rugby Football Club is South Africa’s second oldest club, dating back to 1875.
“We are delighted to welcome Tiger Rugby and Stellenbosch University back to the Aberdeen Standard Investments Melrose Sevens in 2019,” said Melrose Rugby President Douglas Hardie. “Both teams have a strong connection with the tournament and are always popular with the crowds when they appear on the pitch. We’re looking forward to another year of great rugby sevens action at the Greenyards.”
The Aberdeen Standard Investments Melrose Sevens is the world’s original rugby sevens tournament, attracting 24 international and Scottish clubs every year to battle it out to lift the Ladies Cup. The game of sevens was invented in Melrose in 1883 by butcher Ned Haig, and the 128th playing of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Melrose Sevens will take place on April 13th.
“The global reach of the Melrose Sevens is a testament to the legacy of the tournament, and to have such highly-regarded international sides appearing in 2019 is a real coup,” said Martin Gilbert, co-CEO of headline sponsor Aberdeen Standard Investments. “Aberdeen Standard Investments is proud to continue our support of such an important sporting event both in Scottish and world rugby, which is always guaranteed to produce an exciting day on the pitch.”
- Tickets for the 2019 Melrose Sevens start from £10 for children, £15 for senior citizens and £20 for adults. Family tickets are also available for £50, admitting two adults and two children.
- For more information about the Aberdeen Standard Investments Melrose Sevens, and to book tickets, visit www.melrose7s.com. Keep up to date with the action on Facebook at www.facebook.com/melrose7s, Twitter @melrose7s and Instagram @melrose7s.