NEW signing Sam Pecqueur revealed the chance of winning trophies convinced him to move to Melrose.

The 20-year-old full-back scored on his competitive debut for the former Scottish champions at the Greenyards on Friday – a 46-10 victory over Jed-Forest in the Booker Border League.

The Scotland Under 20 cap, who has worked with Melrose head coach John Dalziel in the international set-up, previously played for Edinburgh Accies who were relegated from the Premiership last season.

Speaking to the Border Telegraph following his try-scoring debut, Pecqueur said: “I’m happy, excited, it was good to play.

“I played for Accies last season and it was a shame that they got relegated.” But he added: “Melrose is a top club and I want to improve and hopefully I’ve got a chance of winning down here and progressing myself in the future.” New-look Melrose featured a number of new signings in their starting line-up against Jed at the weekend.

Pecqueur’s Scotland U20s teammate Ally Miller, signed from Watsonians, also got on the scoresheet.

There were also debuts for Jamie Bhatti from Stirling County and Jason Baggott, who has been signed on a joint contract with Edinburgh.

And they are set to be joined by former Selkirk and Scotland Sevens winger Nyle Godsmark, who is training with Glasgow Warriors for the duration of the Rugby World Cup.

Reflecting on last season’s tussles with Melrose, Pecquer said: “They are always pretty open games when you play against Melrose, that’s what attracted me to the club, they play exciting rugby.” But, looking forward to the season ahead, he added: “There are a lot of new boys, a lot of players who are looking strong this year, a lot of young boys, it’s a whole new squad from last year.”