THE first ever South of Scotland Barbarians team will debut at this year’s Melrose Sevens, organisers have announced.

The team will be coached by former Melrose and Scotland sevens star Scott Wight and will feature a number of players with local Borders connections.

The event will take place from April 11-13.

Wight said: “I am delighted to be leading the South of Scotland Barbarians team and we intend to make the team as competitive as possible and give players with Borders connections, who are currently not playing for local teams, an opportunity to showcase their talents.

“It is my personal passion to enable homebred Borders players who are currently on the fringes of the professional rugby set up a chance to play at the home tournament of rugby sevens. I really hope the Borders community gets behind this initiative and really supports the team.”

Tournament director Phil Morris added: “Melrose Sevens is really excited to support the request of the South of Scotland Barbarians team to participate in this year’s event and we look forward to seeing which exciting local players will be joining Scott’s squad.”

In 2023 the 1883 Centenary Cup was won by Monaco Impi’s. 

The Mike Bleasdale Cup was lifted by The Lionesses.