THERE’S a lot to celebrate at Melrose RFC at the moment.

Not only did the Sevens take the title at the Gytes at the weekend, but the club has unveiled plans to transform the Greenyards with the installation of a 3G pitch and new facilities.

The revamp was proposed to brighten up the ground and to benefit other community groups in Melrose.

Earlston High School and the two local Primary Schools will make daily use of the new facilities along with the Melrose FC, who currently don’t have an 11-a-side football pitch in the town.

Trevor Jackson, President, Melrose RFC told the Border Telegraph: “The plan is to build on a significant part of Scotland’s sporting history and bring it into the 21st century with a new vibrant, sporting community focus that embraces all of our wonderful history and provides a destination for people interested in the birth of the seven-a-side game.”

The club’s membership has fully embraced the proposal, which will also see floodlights installed and an upgrade in the clubhouse changing rooms.

Ian Cooper, the Sevens Convenor, said: “While the upkeep and maintenance would be important, the use of the ground as a seven day a week, all-year round facility would see a whole host of summer possibilities and on a wider sporting front than just rugby sevens. 

“However, from just that aspect, the draw of playing on the ‘Home of Rugby Sevens’, would allow the club to look at being involved at all levels of the sport as it builds on the opportunities that the new Olympic sport will bring.”

The new vision for the Greenyards was revealed to the membership on Monday night and MLA Architects had worked closely with the Board and consultants to interpret the findings and reflect the needs of the club and community.

As part of the plans, a new community and performance gym, along with changing rooms, will be placed on the ground floor, with the 1st team tunnel leading to the new pitch. 

Eight changing rooms will serve all users and players and enable teams to change to either play at the Greenyards itself or at one of the town’s grass pitches.

On the first floor there will be a cafe/bar environment, along with a new function suit which can have flexible dividers enabling multi-functional use from Zumba through to a wedding reception. A further two flexible smaller committee/meetings spaces will also be on the first floor.

The main stand will have 1200 seats and the press box, which is a significant part of Melrose history, will remain in a similar position in the centre of the stand.

Keith Russell, Director of Domestic Rugby SRU said: “We welcome this ambitious legacy project set out by Melrose RFC that includes not just a facility development but also a comprehensive community engagement project.

“Melrose form an important part of our sports history in this Olympic year and any proposal to improve their offering to both their community and the rugby public will receive our full co-operation.

“The club’s aspiration to grow and develop is a credit to their committee, volunteers and supporters and we look forward to working with the club in the years to come to assist and support them in driving the entire project forward.”