Following a report in the Sunday Times, Scottish Rugby confirmed today it is submitting to the IRB its proposal to stage one of the final legs of the IRB Sevens Series in Scotland, by the end of this month. In recent months, the IRB has welcomed Scottish Rugby’s continued interest and commitment to bring the international sevens circuit to Scotland.



If Scottish Rugby’s proposal is successful, it is possible the first year’s Scottish leg of the circuit may take place at Murrayfield, as part of what’s being described as a “Festival of Rugby”, involving many other attractions.



Moreover, in 2008, if the appropriate financial arrangements were agreed, the SRU would hope to take the event to Melrose, the Borders town where the concept of rugby sevens was first conceived, for their 125th anniversary celebrations.



Gordon McKie, Chief Executive of Scottish Rugby said,



“As some aspects of these sensitive negotiations are now in the public domain, it is important to clarify the Scottish Rugby stance and confirm our willingness to secure this prestigious international sevens event for Scotland.



“The IRB seeks to work with national governing bodies of sport, as the host union for the 7s series. It is entirely up to them to decide shortly where the event goes but our commitment is clear. We are keen to host one of the final legs of the IRB’s World Series circuit here in Scotland. “



“There has been a strong desire by many to take the event to Melrose and we continue to be fully supportive of that stance. We have been working closely with EventScotland, Scottish Enterprise Borders and the Borders Council to explore various opportunities, including the possibility of staging the tournament there at some point, were the event to come to Scotland.



“Although we would be unable to conclude the necessary financial arrangements in time for a 2007 event, we remain willing to explore this idea with the IRB at least for 2008, should our proposal be accepted.



“What we need to remember is that all Scottish partners are keen to secure the event for this country – and that is the first important step. Taking international 7s to Melrose in 2008 would be attractive, to coincide with when 7s was born there back in 1883.”



The deadline for Scottish Rugby’s final submission to the IRB to stage the two day event, is 29th September.

This article was posted on 24-Sep-2006, 20:49 by Hugh Barrow.