HAWICK rugby superstar Stuart Hogg has switched sides to Border rivals Melrose - if you believe everything your told on TV.

TV Licensing chiefs described the Scotland international as a "Melrose boy" in  a national awareness campaign targeting businesses ahead of the kick off of the Rugby World Cup in a bid to ensure everyone watching games at work is covered by a licence.

However, the embarrasing error could tempt viewers in the rugby heartlands of the Borders to switch off.

The TV Licensing announcement said: "As rugby fans in the Borders watch live broadcast coverage of Melrose boy Stuart Hogg in action for Scotland in the Rugby World Cup today (Wednesday, 23 September), a nationwide survey suggests that some may have to take leave from work to keep their bosses happy.

"With Scotland’s first game against Japan kicking off at 2.30pm, a survey of Scottish employees commissioned by TV Licensing revealed that, whilst 29 per cent said they would watch a big sporting event in their permanent workplace if the TV viewing policy allowed it, only 18 per cent have permission to watch any TV at work, meaning many may miss out on some crucial matches.

"Whilst many workers in the Scottish Borders may want to down tools early to sit in front of the canteen TV or open a live streaming service on their desk PC to catch the match, the survey also indicated that only 31 per cent of employees in Scotland feel informed about the TV viewing policy or guidelines in their current workplace.

"With only one in three UK employees feeling informed of the rules when it comes to watching live TV at work according to recent research1, TV Licensing has developed a Workplace Viewing Guide to provide step-by-step guidance for staff and managers who want to watch the World Cup tournament at work."

Businesses who would like more information about TV Licensing requirements, or ways to spread the cost, can call the TV Licensing businesses team on 0300 790 6165 or visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/businessinfo

We suggest TV Licensing chiefs may wish to call Mansfield Park in Hawick if they wish more information in future.