THE current generation of coaches and players at Melrose have welcomed plans to revamp their venerable Greenyards ground with an artificial pitch, a new grandstand and clubhouse, plus lights that will allow it to compete for glamour games on a regular basis.
Appropriately, they chose to go public with the plans, part of the 1883 Legacy project, on the day that Mark Robertson, a former wing at the club and son of Melrose and Scotland stalwart Keith, was playing his role in Great Britains's medal matches at the Olympic Sevens tournament, an international celebration of the game invented at Melrose.
A 3G pitch and floodlighting as well as the proposed upgrade to clubhouse and changing rooms will allow the Greenyards to expand the programme of events it currently offers. There will also be a new community and performance gym, plus a bar and function suite overlooking the pitch.
"The use of the ground as a seven day a week, all-year round facility would see a whole host of possibilities on a wider sporting front than just rugby sevens," observed Ian Cooper, the convenor of the annual sevens tournament that has been held there since 1883.
"From just that aspect, the draw of playing at the Greenyards – home of rugby sevens – would permit the club to look at being involved in all levels of the sport as it builds on the opportunities that a new Olympic sport will promote from local through regional to national and international tournaments and competitions.”
It is an exciting move for those involved with the current side. "As a venue to then play at – not just the playing surface but the facilities that go with it – it opens up loads of opportunities, commercially as well," said Rob Chrystie, the coach.
"It is a great place to play rugby anyway but it is only going to enhance it. You cannot sit still and stick with a facility that is probably not fit for purpose, you have got to think about moving on. The club is a forward-thinking club, it has loads of people committed to moving it forwards and keep progressing and moving on."
His sentiments were echoed by club captain Bruce Colvin. "It is a good thing for Melrose. Even if you are not playing, there are going to be plenty of things there to enjoy. Even just going to watch, having a facility like that is unbelievable," he said.
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