THE man credited with inventing the game of rugby sevens has been honoured in a ceremony in his home town of Melrose.

On Wednesday (April 6 2022) the Duke of Buccleuch unveiled a plaque situated on the side of the Greenyards stand in memory of Ned Haig.

Haig is credited with coming up with the idea for the sport in 1883 as a way of fundraising for the club in Melrose, with the first tournament taking place on April 28 that year.

After unveiling the plaque Duke Richard said: “I’m privileged to be unveiling history. And that will be here long after we are gone.”

He also donated a ‘player of the tournament’ trophy to be awarded to the top player in Saturday’s event.

Douglas Brown, president of Melrose Rugby told the BBC: “By all accounts, he was a remarkable man and a true sporting visionary. From those humble beginnings in 1883, Haig's original vision has grown remarkably in popularity over the years and created one of the most exciting of team sports.

"Rugby sevens is now both a Commonwealth Games and Olympic sport. We'll continue to promote the abbreviated game in tribute to him and those early rugby pioneers.”

This year’s tournament organiser Phil Morris added: "It's wonderful to see the Duke of Buccleuch supporting the Melrose Sevens and honouring the founder of this amazing game of rugby sevens.

"We're also delighted and very grateful to the duke for his kind donation of the player of the tournament trophy."