Melrose cancel sevens festival but vow to play tourney later in year
● Club will be hit financially by postponement ● Competition is oldest of its kind in world rugby
Melrose bowed to the inevitable yesterday when they announced the postponement of their sevens tournament due to concerns around coronavirus.
The club acknowledged that the decision would hit them financially but vowed to “get through this”.
They hope to reschedule the tournament and appealed to supporters to be patient, stressing that all tickets would be valid for the new date.
Melrose is the oldest rugby sevens tournament in the world, dating back to 1883, and is hugely important to the Greenyards club in terms of finance and prestige.
Guest sides come from all over the world to play in the tournament and this season’s edition had been billed “an expanded festival of rugby” to be played over four days from 9-12 April.
The club say they will now enter discussions with teams, partners and sponsors about the next steps in hosting the event at a later date rather than simply cancelling it.
“The evolving situation obliges us as a responsible organisation to take all reasonable measures to protect people’s health,” said a spokesperson for Melrose Rugby Ltd. “That goes for the local community and for everyone that would be travelling to Melrose for the rugby and entertainment events.
“Over the past few weeks we have been in close contact with participating teams who are understandably nervous about booking travel and accommodation at the moment. The Melrose Sevens has always attracted a diverse audience of all ages from across the UK and abroad. Given the increased threat of COVID-19 to older people in particular, we are not willing to take any chances.
“Weunderstandthiswillbea bitter disappointment for everyone involved. All the hard working volunteers here at the club who have been preparing so hard for this year’s expanded Melrose Sevens festival are saddened and frustrated to be postponing, but public health must always come first.
“Melrose Rugby Ltd will now engage with all the teams and sponsors involved, and work
“We would ask everyone who has purchased a ticket to be patient while we make alternative arrangements”
MELROSE RUGBY LTD
with all parties to agree a date later this year that works for everyone. We would like to thank the Scottish Borders Council and Scottish Rugby for their tremendous support in this unprecedented situation. To be clear, we’re not contemplating cancelling the event at this time; just postponing to another date.
“Postponing the Melrose Sevens will hurt the club financially as there are irretrievable and uninsurable costs,” they said.
“However we will get through this. This is a fast moving situation and we cannot plan with absolute certainty at the moment, so we would ask everyone who has purchased a ticket to be patient while we make alternative arrangements. We can confirm all tickets purchased will be valid for a rearranged date and we will communicate those details as soon as we are in a position to do so.”
This season’s tournament was due to feature a new women’s competition on Sunday 12 April, showcasing teams from around the world.
Former Scotland winger Tim Visser is doing his bit to help members of his local community who might be affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Visser, who retired from professional rugby last year, put a note through neighbours’ doors to offer his assistance.
He wrote: “I’m aware some of you may have been advised to self isolate. If at any point I can be of assistance please don’t hesitate to call or text me.
“I’d be happy to pick up essential shopping or anything else you urgently need.”