THE Border League is the catalyst for the future of club rugby in Scotland, Gregor Townsend told a gathering of Presidents at a special ceremony on Wednesday night at Netherdale.

THE Border League is the catalyst for the future of club rugby in Scotland, Gregor Townsend told a gathering of Presidents at a special ceremony on Wednesday night at Netherdale.

Townsend, one of Gala’s most famous sons, accepted an invitation to present special ties to all former living Presidents as a mark of their contribution to the oldest rugby union league in the world, now sponsored by Bookers Cash and Carry.

Among those who received ties was current Border League President, Graham Low, of Gala. “We had discussed ideas for some time and the ties reflect the work and dedication they put into the game,” he said.

Townsend added: “The Border League is dear to my heart. We have got to look after our history. There has been lots of pressure and challenges, especially in amateur rugby, and to still have a league is a great thing.

“When you get Borders derbies, there is interest, intensity, and the local public arguably have not been in a better place for years with four clubs in the Premiership next season.

“Teams like Ayr and the city clubs have resources and are strong in recruitment with the players they bring in, and with players in the top division, there is a clear pathway for them to play at the highest level and stay within the Borders.” On the sevens, he added: “They are very important to the clubs. They can attract different types of supporters and there is a real buzz about them.

“We are fortunate to have the sevens in the Borders and still to have a circuit here.” However, Townsend played down aspirations of the Borders having a professional side again, mainly on the basis of cost. “Things have changed, and the first time we had a team was when the game went professional,” he said.

“It did not work out for financial reasons. It would cost millions to have a squad and put an infrastructure together, and I think it would be unlikely (to get a pro side again).

“The levels under the pro teams are very robust, and players can come through a strong club team, and it is very encouraging to see four sides in the Premiership and the best players will come through.” Among others who received ties were Bill Miller (Jed-Forest), 1985; Jim Balmer (Langholm), 1994; Norman Douglas (Selkirk), 1996; Jim Gilchrist (Gala), 1997; Norman Anderson (Kelso), 2000, Allan Beveridge (Peebles) 2003; Jim Greenwood (Berwick), 2005; Bill Murray (Hawick), 2007; and John Reed (Melrose), 2011.

The season reflected a very successful one for Borders clubs with Melrose finishing runners-up in the Premiership play-off; Hawick in the same position in the BT Cup; Selkirk winning National League 1 undefeated; St Boswells winning the BT Shield and also East League 2; Berwick East League 1; and success for Gala A in the Reserve League and Border Reserve Cup; and Jed Thistle the Semi-Junior League and a string of success on the junior sevens circuit.

“That is a remarkable achievement from a population of 100,000 people.” Low added.