Melrose Rugby Club is delighted to announce that the first ever Melrose 1883 Women’s team will compete at the Howden Melrose Sevens in May, marking a significant milestone in the club’s continued commitment to growing the women’s and girls’ game.

The inclusion of the Melrose 1883 Women’s side forms a key part of the club’s wider strategy to develop opportunities within women’s rugby, while inspiring the next generation of players across the Borders and beyond. 

The introduction of the women’s team follows the successful launch of the Melrose 1883 Men’s side, which made its debut at the Geneva International Sevens last summer. The ambition for the 1883 team is to represent and celebrate the Home of Sevens at tournaments around the world, with the women’s side kicking off at the Greenyards.

The invitational squad will bring together elite sevens players from across the UK and internationally, showcasing high-performance talent in front of a pack crowd at the Greenyards. Designed to reflect both excellence and opportunity, the side will combine experience with emerging talent, offering a platform for players to compete at one of the sport’s most historic tournaments.

Leading the women’s side will be Head Coach Fin Kelly, who brings a strong background in sevens rugby having coached the successful women’s invitational side Savvy Panthers, as well as the English Universities 7s. Fin had this to say:

“It’s a privilege to be supporting Melrose in the growth of their women’s and girl’s involvement. To be leading a Melrose 1883 squad at the Home of Rugby Sevens is a very exciting prospect. It was an honour to be asked, and I can’t wait to experience the Howden Melrose Sevens for the first time, up close. It’s going to be an incredible experience.”

The team follows the announcement that Scotland international Lisa Thomson has come on board as an ambassador for women’s and girl’s rugby at the Greenyards, and Lisa will be supporting the 1883 side at the tournament. 

Melrose Rugby is excited to see the famous black and yellow being represented in the Breadalbane Doddie Claymore women’s competition, as the 1883 will go head to head with the likes of Scottish Thistles, Shogun and Hearts & Balls MB. 

The addition of the Melrose 1883 Women’s team not only strengthens the club’s presence within sevens rugby but also ensures that the legacy of the game’s birthplace continues to grow in a modern, inclusive direction.

Supporters will have the opportunity to witness this historic moment at the Howden Melrose Sevens, as the Melrose 1883 Women take to the field for the very first time.