The original Borders Sevens Circuit consisted of the
Melrose Sevens (founded 1883),
Gala Sevens (1884),
Hawick Sevens (1886),
Jed-Forest Sevens (1894) and
Langholm Sevens (1908). This was known as the Spring Circuit. It is traditionally the last tournament of the Sevens season and is instead treated as a finale. Other Sevens tournaments were added to the calendar after the First World War:-
Selkirk Sevens (1919);
Kelso Sevens (1920),
Peebles Sevens (1923) and
Earlston Sevens (1923). These were originally pre-season tournaments.
Schedule Traditional Sevens schedule was changed by the
Scottish Rugby Union in order to allow more time for the regular rugby season. Controversially, due to the influence of former national coach
Jim Telfer,
Melrose RFC did not have to change its date. As of 2011, Sevens will take place on consecutive weekends in April and May. The schedule is due to change again for season 2019–20.
Invited sides Each of the Sevens tournaments has a history of invited sides.
Melrose Sevens - the World's most prestigious Sevens tournament - as it was the birthplace of the sport - notably has the most; attracting teams globally. The likes of the
French Barbarians (1983);
Ireland Wolfhounds (1991);
Bay of Plenty (1992); Manly (1995);
Hamilton RFC, Sea Point (2010) and
Saracens (2012, 2013) have all won the event. Outwith the Melrose tournament the likes of
London Welsh won
Hawick Sevens in 1969;
London Scottish won the
Kelso Sevens in 1991;
Newcastle Falcons won
Langholm Sevens between 2005 and 2008; the
Barbarians and
Harlequins entered the
Gala Sevens in 1976; and
Northampton Saints have won the
Selkirk Sevens in 1991 and 1993.
International 7s sides International 7s sides often take part amongst the club sides.
Fiji 7s beat
Canada 7s in the 1991
Gala Sevens final.
Scotland 7s won the final of the
Kelso Sevens in 1996 beating
Kenya 7s; and
Scotland 7s won the
Selkirk Sevens in 1996 beating the
Wales 7s side in the final.
Germany 7s reached the final of the
Melrose Sevens in 2015, losing out to
Glasgow Warriors. The
Belgium 7s reached the quarter-finals of the
Melrose Sevens in 2022, losing out to the hosts. ==Main circuit==