It’s been an exciting week at the Co-Ops HQ with the finishing touches being applied to this year’s Melrose Sevens squad. An eclectic mix of youthful exuberance and seasoned professionals will converge on The Greenyards in less than a week – forming an ultra- competitive team of elite rugby professionals as they challenge for The 1883 Centenary Cup.
In keeping with tradition, The Co-Optimists’ squad combines both local and international talent – with some pretty well-known names amongst the sevens circuit, as well as an array of young, up-and-coming local talents. Supporters of The Co-Optimists; here is your squad for the 2022 Melrose Sevens:
SQUAD
Ollie Melville Scotland
Fin Callaghan Scotland
James Johnstone Scotland
Jack Blain Scotland
Collins Injera Kenya
Cecil Afrika South Africa
Latica Nela South Africa
James Murphy South Africa
Qamani Kota South Africa
Tiaan Pretorius South Africa
Tom Varndell England
Aaron Purewal Scotland
COACHES
Scott Wight Scotland
Stephen Lewis Scotland
A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes in order to bring these first-class rugby talents together, and it certainly wouldn’t have been possible without the assistance and the continuous support from our partners & sponsors. All associated with The Club are tremendously grateful to each and every one of them for joining us on this journey. A massive thanks goes out to the Black Ivy Hotel, Innes & Gunn & Kitchens International & Tsunami Sports.
If you’re watching the squad in Melrose next weekend, there is a plethora of events throughout the festival: These festivities begin Thursday the 8th with a kids’ coaching session on The Greenyards. Southern Knights Head Coach, Bruce Ruthven, will run a structured training session, which will be a brilliant chance to watch some leading players being put through their paces. The Co-Optimists’ very own Cecil Afrika and Collins Injera will then take part in a fun session, where you and your kids can meet the players, have your picture taken and grab an autograph. Commencing at 14:00, both kids and parents are invited to watch an hour training session featuring The Co-optimists stars before participating in a fun kids coaching session from 15:00-16:00.
This event is FREE and open to all P6,P7 and S1 kids in the Scottish Borders, it will take place on the 3G pitch therefore we ask that all kids have a pair of rugby/football boots with them. Melrose will have additional boots which can be worn. Spaces are limited to 40 per year group, register now so you don’t miss out! https://melrose7s.co.uk/kids-coaching-session/
For the adults, Thursday evening opens the new-look Melrose Sevens with The Jackson Distillers Melrose Sevens Hall of Fame Dinner. Attracting fans and stars from across the world of rugby, we look to celebrate some extraordinary people who will be inducted into the Melrose Sevens Hall of Fame. https://tickets.melroserugby.org/sales/events
The rugby festivities will recommence on Friday 8 April with an evening of exciting, top-flight rugby with global stars of the rugby world playing a charity 7s match at 7:30pm to raise money and awareness for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Following will be a pre-season match for the FOSROC Super6 Southern Knights against Boroughmuir Bears at 8pm under the floodlights on the 3G at the Greenyards. This will be followed by Party Night in Gibson Pavilion with The Commitments and DJs.
The 1883 Centenary Cup knockout begins on Saturday 9 April, with the first kick off scheduled at 10:50am and Final being competed at 7:30pm. There is hospitality available at VIP 1883 Pavilion, President’s Pavilion and casual hospitality in the Gibson Pavilion. Once again, the Gibson Pavilion will play host to a jubilant celebration with the fanzone bar and food open until midnight.
Sunday the 10th brings the end to what promises to be a mesmerising weekend of rugby-related revelling. The Gibson Pavilion once again plays host to the Finale concert, headlined by Scottish rock band, Big Country, and opened by Scottish ska band Bombskare.
Tickets to the rugby, as well as individual events are still available, however they are limited – so be sure to get in early to avoid missing out.
Tickets are available for individual events at https://melrose7s.co.uk/tickets/