THE oldest rugby union league in the world, the Border League, has announced that AM.PM Event Catering will be the new sponsors of the Kings of the Sevens series.

The league, set up at the turn of the last century and now sponsored by Booker Cash and Carry, has completed a deal with the Galashiels company, run by the Macari family, to support the 10-tournament event at the end of the season.

It was also revealed, at a meeting of the League at Netherdale on Wednesday, that Booker will also put up a cup for a 2nd XV competition and the League will donate special ties to be worn by Presidents and also surviving Presidents.

Booker also added additional support with a Man-of-the-Match award, won so far by Russell Anderson and Euan Dods, of Gala, and Fraser Thomson of Melrose. This means that other clubs can benefit such as Kelso v Jed-Forest, Selkirk v Hawick etc.

There had been fears over the future of the league at the end of last season, but at a special meeting, clubs were encouraged to play at least one game in August and in a new-style format.

Graham Low, of Gala and Border League President, said that he was delighted with the changes and the new sponsorship deal.

“There was a bit of negativity about the league and we felt that we had to do something to boost it (competition),” he said.

The 2nd XV competition will involve Gala, Jed-Forest, Kelso, Melrose, Peebles and Selkirk. “It will give players an extra six games instead of maybe sitting on the bench,” said Low. That tournament may start in October.

Guest speaker at the meeting at Netherdale was Scottish coach Vern Cotter.