Crusaders RFC, a team made up of players who’ve either had cancer or have experienced the disease within their family, plays in rugby events throughout the world to encouraging men to do regular checks for prostate, testicular and other forms of cancer.

They also promote the importance of men talking to others about any cancer related concerns and seeking an early diagnosis.

The team originally kicked off in 2008 and has counted a number of high profile professionals among their ranks, including ex-All Black Ben Atiga and ex-Scotland international and British and Irish Lion Simon Taylor.

After triumphing at last year’s annual Melrose Vets 10s event, Crusaders topped off a memorable year by inflicting the first ever defeat on the Wasps Legends team. They will be back in Melrose on Friday, April 10, as part of this year’s Vets tournament, a precursor to the Melrose Sevens weekend.

Mark Dainter, a former Wasp who played for the club between 1989 and 1993, is co-founder and CEO of the Crusaders. He revealed that despite the team’s desire to retain their Vets title, winning the event is the second priority.

“While we are really up for the Melrose tournament our main aim wherever we go is to raise awareness of the importance for men to regularly check themselves for cancer,” he said.

“Our simple message is: 'Front up. Talk about it, check for it and react to the symptoms.’ As men we are not renowned for regularly monitoring ourselves and we are typically reluctant to talk to others or get help if and when we have health-related concerns. As a result men tend to get diagnosed for cancer at a much later stage than females which can have fatal consequences.

“We look forward to coming back to defend our Melrose Vets title - it’s always a great competition.” And he added: “If we are able to get our message about checking for the signs of cancer out to just one person our trip to the Borders will have been worthwhile and we’ll feel as though we’ve done our job.” The event, which is sponsored by Edinburgh-based commercial law firm Davidson Chalmers, kicks-off at the Battery Field, Annay Road, a week on Friday at 11.30am.

Andy Drane, who is a partner in the firm, said: “It’s great to welcome Crusaders RFC back to defend their title at this year’s tournament. Their positive message encouraging men to be cancer-aware sums up the spirit of this event which is focused on great rugby and creating a strong sense of camaraderie between all who are involved. We look forward to another exciting day of competition on April 10.” The Melrose Vets 10’s Tournament began as part of the wider 125th Melrose Sevens anniversary celebrations in 2008 and has been played annually on the second Friday of April since then.With Melrose being the birthplace of sevens, a seven-a-side tournament was given serious consideration; however, where heads said “yes”, bodies all said “no” and a compromise was found with a ten-a-side format which is becoming increasingly popular.