MELROSE Rugby has announced two new senior appointments with considerable business expertise, and long established ties to the Club.

George Elliott (69) has been appointed as Chairman of the Club. He was born in the town and had a fine rugby career with the Club and beyond, as a mobile prop, captaining Melrose in 1982-3.

He is a successful and established businessman, having chaired 13 technology companies and being instrumental in bringing four companies to successful IPO’s.

In addition, the Club announced Robin Wood, another successful businessman, who grew up in the area and is now returning to Melrose, would also be joining the board.

Robin (66) played many times for Melrose where he enjoyed great success on the Sevens circuit, as well as also enjoying a successful business career with Cementation the UK’s largest foundation contractor, where he rose to be Managing Director.

Mr Elliott said “I am delighted and honoured to take up the position as Chairman of Melrose Rugby as it moves forward post Covid and help guide the Club with its development plans. I would also like to acknowledge Andy Purves, former Interim Chairman and his team for their commitment and hard work, over what has been for most rugby clubs a very challenging period.”

Mr Wood added: “It is always nice to be able to give back to an organisation that gave so much to me as I was growing up, and I am really excited to be able to use my skills in helping the Club as it moves forward with its ambitious plans”

 Andy Purves fellow Melrose Board Director commented: “It is fantastic to see George and Robin join the board at Melrose, the Club has exciting and ambitious plans as we come out of Covid, so it is wonderful to be able to attract such great stalwarts of the Club back in to support us.

“The pair of them are great additions to the board as well as being popular and well-known former players with the Club, I would like to thank them both for stepping up and committing their time and energy to help us move the Club forward”