Scottish Rugby Tournament Melrose Sevens Gets New Title Sponsor

December 7, 2011

One of the oldest Rugby Sevens competitions, capsule Melrose Sevens, pill have secured a new title sponsor in Aberdeen Asset Management.

The deal is for one year at present but includes an option for a second year and, with the sponsorship quoted as involving “a significant five-figure sum” it represents an increase on recent agreements.

The tournament, which will take place next year on 14 April, will be called the Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens and further establishes Aberdeen’s commitment to supporting rugby and Scottish sport in Scotland and around the world.

John Reed, the Melrose RFC president, acknowledged that after years of promoting some of Scotland’s top brands through their tournament, attracting sponsors to sevens in order to retain its unique appeal had become more difficult in recent times. He was, therefore, delighted when AAM, the current team sponsors of Edinburgh Rugby, agreed to become the latest big name to take over the title rights of the world’s oldest tournament.

He said: “Melrose Rugby Club are delighted that Aberdeen Asset Management, a global investment management group, have chosen to sponsor the 2012 Melrose Sevens.

“As a club, we are delighted that such a prestigious company, with a track record of supporting Scottish rugby through Edinburgh and London Scottish, have chosen to give backing to our world-famous tournament to be held at The Greenyards, 129 years after the abbreviated game was invented here in Melrose.

“We believe they will be a valued part of not only the tournament itself but the fantastic atmosphere which has helped establish the day as an integral part of the Scottish sporting calendar.

“Melrose Sevens has become a huge undertaking to run and sponsors such as Aberdeen Asset Management are a vital and integral part in allowing us to host the biggest rugby event in Scotland outside Murrayfield.

“I sincerely hope that Aberdeen Asset Management enjoy their experience in partnership with Melrose RFC and as club president I would like to thank them most sincerely for their support.”

Next year will be the 129th playing of the Melrose Sevens and will see the hosts and holders seeking to retain the title in an extended tournament with guest teams from across the world. The identities of those invited sides are still being kept a secret with final arrangements still being tied up, but the club has promised to push the boundaries further in 2012 with representation from another new country to be represented.

Previous years have included Randwick and Manly from Australia, Bay of Plenty from New Zealand, University of Free State and Stellenbosch from South Africa alongside teams from the USA, Ireland, Portugal and Fiji as the tournament works with the SRU and IRB to play a part in promoting sevens to a more global audience.

The tournament is broadcast live throughout the Saturday afternoon by BBC Scotland and has a global stage.

Martin Gilbert, chief executive of Aberdeen Asset Management, said: “Aberdeen Asset Management is proud to be associated with such a historic and much loved tournament. The Melrose Sevens attracts teams from not only Scotland but from all parts of the world with players keen to perform in the town where the Sevens game was born. It is a special day for players and supporters alike and it is great to be involved.”