Melrose Sevens 2026: A Weekend to Remember at the Home of Sevens

From thrilling finals and a record U18 tournament to the continued growth of women’s rugby, the 2026 Howden Melrose Sevens gave us plenty to celebrate.

The Greenyards came alive once again on 22nd and 23rd May 2026 as players, supporters, families and volunteers gathered for another unforgettable weekend at the birthplace of rugby sevens.

As Melrose Rugby entered its 150th anniversary year, the tournament brought together the history that makes the Sevens so special with an exciting vision for its future. Across the weekend, we saw outstanding rugby, new opportunities for young players, memorable performances and the unmistakable atmosphere that only Melrose can deliver.

A Thrilling 1883 Centenary Cup

Saturday’s men’s competition delivered all the excitement expected from the world’s original Sevens tournament.

The Scottish Thistles emerged as champions, defeating Edinburgh Accies 22–10 in the final to lift the 1883 Centenary Cup. The Thistles had earlier overcome hosts Melrose in a closely contested quarter-final, winning 21–17, before progressing past Kelso and into the final.

For Melrose, the home side’s run included a 31–10 victory over local rivals Gala, giving the Greenyards crowd plenty to cheer before their narrow exit to the eventual champions.

Women’s Rugby Continues to Grow

The Breadalbane Doddie Claymore competition was another highlight of the weekend, with the women’s tournament expanding from four to six teams for 2026.

It was also a significant year for the club, with Melrose 1883 Women making their tournament debut. The home side produced an impressive campaign, including victories over Shogun Rugby, Monaco Umusa and Hearts & Balls MB, to reach the final.

There, Monaco Umusa proved too strong, securing a 22–5 victory to take home the Doddie Claymore. The competition was a fantastic showcase for women’s Sevens and an important step in the continued growth of the women’s and girls’ game at Melrose.

The Next Generation Takes Centre Stage

One of the biggest success stories of 2026 was the expansion of the U18 tournament to 16 teams, following more than 35 applications from across the UK and overseas.

The Jim Telfer Cup brought together clubs, schools and academy sides for a competitive day of youth Sevens across the Annay Road and Battery pitches, before the final moved to the Greenyards.

Newcastle Red Bulls Academy claimed the title with a 26–14 victory over Strathallan School, giving the young players the opportunity to experience a final on the historic ground where Sevens began.

Friday also provided a celebration of grassroots rugby through the Howden Girls Rugby Festival and Merchiston Coaching Clinic, helping to make the weekend about much more than the senior competitions.

Celebrating the People Behind the Game

The Sevens has always been about more than what happens on the pitch. The Jackson Distillers Hall of Fame Dinner provided an opportunity to recognise those who have shaped the sport, with the 2026 inductees including Hollie Davidson, James Rodwell, Alistair Frater and the Kelso RFC Sevens team of 1978–1989.

The weekend also included a moving tribute to Scott Hastings, a previous Melrose Medal winner, Scotland international and British & Irish Lion. Ahead of the Watsonians and Kelso match, a eulogy and minute’s silence honoured his contribution to the game.

More Than the Rugby

From the first whistle to the celebrations after the final, the 2026 Sevens once again showed why the weekend means so much to the town and its visitors.

The Family Food Village, bars, hospitality and entertainment brought people together throughout the day, while the 1883 Pavilion and Doddie Club offered different ways to enjoy the action.

The Doddie Club also continued its important connection with My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, with £10 from every hospitality ticket supporting the Foundation’s work to fund research into motor neuron disease raising over £2000. It remains a particularly special part of the weekend, honouring the legacy of one of Melrose’s own.

Thank You to Our Sevens Community

An event of this scale simply would not happen without the commitment of so many people.

To our volunteers, players, coaches, referees, officials, medical teams, suppliers, traders, sponsors and partners - thank you. Your time, hard work and support help make Melrose Sevens possible and ensure that the tournament continues to grow while remaining rooted in its community.

A special thank you to Howden, our principal sponsor, and to all our valued partners and local businesses whose support helps us deliver the event and invest in its future.

And, of course, thank you to everyone who joined us at the Greenyards. Whether you came for the rugby, the hospitality, the family activities or simply to enjoy the atmosphere with friends, you helped make 2026 another memorable chapter in the story of Melrose Sevens.

Looking Ahead to 2027

The success of 2026 has given us a strong foundation to build on.

Next year, we are looking forward to expanding our youth offering further with the introduction of a dedicated U18 girls’ tournament, alongside the U18 boys’ competition, and continuing to develop the wider weekend experience for families, supporters and visitors.

Melrose Sevens returns on 21st and 22nd May 2027, with our traditional wreath-laying ceremony and Hall of Fame Dinner taking place on Thursday 20th May.

There may now be Sevens tournaments all over the world, but there is only one place where it all began.

We can’t wait to welcome you back to the Greenyards.