MELROSE have revealed plans to expand their annual Sevens into a four-day event in a bid to host the 2033 World Cup.

The ambitious Greenyards club hope to eventually pitch for hosting the World Cup Sevens following the refurbishment of the historic ground.

As part of their plans, officials are revamping the world's oldest sevens tournament.

Commercial and marketing director Phil Morris explained: "This is our Sevens 20/20 Vision.

"We’re going to put on a fantastic event, maintaining all the rugby traditions we all hold dear but adding new exciting competitions and entertainment.”

The 2020 Melrose Sevens event will kick off on Thursday, April 9 with a musical concert.

The rugby starts on the Friday with an Under 18s tournament with teams coming from schools across the UK as well as from overseas.

Friday evening will be taken up with 'A Question of Rugby' with teams made up from some of the most popular stars of the game.

Saturday's traditional Ladies Centenary Cup competition will continue in its usual format on the Saturday.

But there will also be a new semi-professional tournament, playing for the Ned Haig Cup, involving the Scottish Super 6 teams as well as guest clubs.

Following Saturday's pool stages the conclusion of the Ned Haig Cup will take place on the Sunday, alongside a ladies tournament.

Entertainment is also planned for both the Saturday and Sunday evenings.

Melrose director of rugby Mike Dalgetty added: “We have big ambitions at Melrose, on and off the field.

"There’s a real energy and buzz about the place and it’s exciting to be part of that.

"We’re so proud of our heritage as the home of amateur rugby sevens. We’ve proved, year-after-year, that we can put on a top-class tournament that is enjoyed by spectators and visiting teams from around the world.

“We will never take our eye off what has always made the Melrose Sevens so special. Those traditions will remain. But our 2020 tournament is going to be bigger than ever before.

"We can’t wait to put a spotlight on Melrose in April next year when we’ll host a vibrant new rugby event.”

Melrose Rugby Club’s goal is to be in a position to host the 2033 Rugby World Sevens – the year that marks the 150th anniversary of the first ever Sevens tournament at the Greenyards.