SOUTHERN KNIGHTS
REVEALED AS MELROSE
RUGBY’S SUPER6
FRANCHISE
he Super6 franchise representing
Melrose and the Scottish Borders
will be known as the Southern
Knights, the club has confirmed.
The name has been selected to represent
the Borders more generally in the new
competition, with the rugby talent and support
to be drawn from other local clubs and towns.
Inspiration for the Southern Knights name
comes from Sir Walter Scott writing a legend of
King Arthur and his knights laying asleep in the
hollow of the Eildon Hills - now the backdrop
to the Greenyards - waiting to do battle.
The Southern Knights will also play in a
new kit specially designed to reflect their
representation of not just Melrose, but the area
as a whole - their kit will incorporate all the
colours of the Borders clubs.
Since December 2018 the rugby management
team and Melrose Rugby Board of Directors
have worked to recruit a strong squad of
players from the existing Melrose squad
and from the whole of the Borders, to help
rejuvenate rugby in the area. It was imperative
to Chairman Gordon Brown that the team
name reflected this broader Borders outlook.
Southern Knights’ Head Coach, Rob Chrystie,
also offered his thoughts on preparations for
the new season, with the former scrum-half
currently putting together the Southern Knights
squad.
Chrystie said: “The Southern Knights for 2019-
20 is a really dynamic and well-balanced
squad with some local familiar faces.
“The management team are determined to
create an environment that will challenge all
players, while creating a platform for those
with the ability and desire to progress into
professional rugby.
“This is an exciting time in Scottish rugby and
I’m thrilled to be a part of it as we look forward
to the inaugural Super6 season,” he continued.
“We can’t wait to get started.”
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ISSUE 116 2019 • WWW.SCRUMMAGAZINE.COM • 135SUPER6