More than 12,000 rugby fanatics will travel from across the UK and beyond to watch rugby teams hailing from as far as France and the Caribbean compete in the tournament. Heriot’s RFC, Watsonians FC, Edinburgh Academical FC, Boroughmuir RFC, Stewart’s Melville FP RFC and Currie RFC will battle against esteemed rugby clubs including 2013 runners up Clermont Auvergne as well as 14 other Scottish clubs for the 2014 winner’s title and coveted Ladies’ Cup.*
The tournament, sponsored by Aberdeen Asset Management, is known as the world’s oldest and most famous rugby sevens contest and originated in Melrose over 130 years ago. The spotlight is well and truly on rugby sevens at the moment as teams prepare for the 2014 Commonwealth Games ahead of the sport’s Olympic Games debut in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management said:- “This year’s Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens is set to be better than ever. The Melrose Sevens continues to attract visitors and top class players from around the world, all looking forward to some thrilling entertainment and world-class sport. Every year the Melrose Sevens puts on a great show for supporters and players and it’s a great day for all. Aberdeen Asset Management is proud to be associated with such a historic and much loved Scottish sporting event.”
The idea of rugby sevens was born of Melrose legends Ned Haig and David Sanderson, employees at the local butcher shop, who created a shorter rugby game with seven men per side and action served in fast-paced 15 minute slots. The sport is now enjoyed by passionate fans worldwide but still reigns supreme in Melrose, where the whole town buzzes with excitement in the run up to the annual rugby tournament.
Special attractions and entertainment can be found on and off the pitch for the duration of the tournament ensuring the Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens is the ideal day out for families as well as sporting fans.
Tickets for this family event, which are available via the website www.melrose7s.com cost from £10 for children under 15, from £15 for senior citizens and between £20 and £40 for adults. You can follow the Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens build up on Facebook at www.facebook.com/melrosevens or twitter: @melrosevens.
To find out more about the Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens visit http://www.melrose7s.com.
* Boroughmuir RFC last won the Ladies’ Cup in 2002
Watsonian FC last won the Ladies’ Cup in 1996
Heriot’s Rugby Club last won the Ladies’ Cup in 1982
Stewart’s Melville last won the Ladies’ Cup in 1979
Edinburgh Academical FC last won the Ladies’ Cup in 1949
Currie RFC has never won the tournament
