GUY Perrett will make a return to the big stage tomorrow when he lines up for Glasgow Caley Reds in the re-run of their Celtic League clash with Pontypridd.

The West of Scotland lineout specialist has been out of the representative rugby scene for two years after opting to focus on his medical studies, but he has answered Reds coach Richie Dixon's call in the wake of a spate of injuries.

Jason White became the latest unavailable player when he sustained a fractured finger. The problem on its own was not serious, but Dixon said he will need surgery in a bid to cure an infection around the stricken area.

With Steve Griffiths also sidelined and Stewart Campbell having been released early from his contract, Dixon was left with no alternative but to call up a club player and he said: ''Luckily Guy was on a week's holiday from his job as a junior doctor and was only too glad to get involved.

''His availability is a stroke of good fortune because he is a top-class player who has played European Cup rugby for Glasgow, so we will have no fears about his aptitude.''

Dixon, who will name his Sardis Road starting line-up today, added: ''We have no idea at this stage how long Jason will be out of action. The important thing is for him to get the finger sorted and we won't risk the problem becoming a chronic thing.''

The encounter with Ponty had to be squeezed in after the scheduled match before Christmas was abandoned at half-time because of waterlogging with the Reds in the lead.

lMELROSE officials yesterday insisted that their world-famous Tilney Sevens will go ahead as planned on Saturday, despite the worsening foot-and-mouth crisis.

Fears for the tournament had resurfaced after two new cases of the disease were discovered at nearby Jedburgh.

Club spokesman Stuart Henderson said: ''The event is 100 per cent on. Obviously, the general situation is being constantly monitored, but we have had no advice to suggest that the competition is under threat.''

The three overseas guest teams - holders Nawaka from Fiji, Christchurch from New Zealand, and Uruguay - arrive in Scotland this morning.

All three sides have drawn Borders opposition. Nawaka open their defence against Jed-Forest, Christchurch are up against Kelso, and Uruguay take on Selkirk.

The Barbarians kick off against West of Scotland, while Cambridge University will meet the winners of the Peebles v Glasgow Hawks tie. Draw:

Gala v Langholm or Heriot's; Jed-Forest v Nawaka; Melrose v Watsonians or Boroughmuir; Kelso v Christchurch; Hawick v Kirkcaldy or Currie; West of Scotland v Barbarians; Cambridge Uni v Peebles or Glasgow Hawks; Selkirk v Uruguay.

lTHE man who has guided Aberdeen GSFP to the top flight of Scottish rugby will not be at the helm when they launch their Premier One campaign in September.

Former All Black John Fleming is returning to New Zealand in the hope of landing the job as coach of Waikato in the National Provincial Championship.

Grammar assistant coach Colin Robertson said: ''Obviously we will be very sorry to lose John because he has done a fantastic job here. We don't know yet who will replace him, but he will be an extremely hard act to follow.''

The Dons are certain of promotion, but could yet lose out on winning the division depending on results this weekend.