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THE 2011 BSPC Kings of the Sevens rugby tournament will kick off at Gala rugby ground on Sunday, April 3.

This year's event sees the Selkirk and Kelso tournaments moved from their traditional late-Summer time-slot to create a seven-week sevens extravaganza featuring matches every weekend from the start of April through to the championship finale at Jedburgh on May 14.

Scott Wight, Captain of 2010 champions Melrose RFC, lent his support to launch the tournament at Gala rugby ground this week. The team is keen to retain the title in what is predicted to be an exceptional closely contested series.

John Thornburn, from Kings of the Sevens, said: "The new scheduling means we can present a fabulous showcase of the finest sevens rugby on a week-by-week basis. Our aim is to attract even more rugby fans to the Kings of the Sevens tournament, whether they come to watch just one event or all ten.

"The Scottish Borders is the home of rugby sevens and whilst Melrose remains the most high profile event, this tournament provides an array of opportunities to enjoy the fast-paced action that makes rugby sevens such a great sporting occasion."

The first event will be held in Galashiels this weekend and marks the Gala ground's 120th tournament. Sixteen teams will compete in an event which also includes special showcases of Gala Star Vets touch rugby and SWRU Girls under 15 and 18s.

There will be entertainment and refreshments throughout the day to add to the celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for the Gala Sevens can be purchased in advance by contacting the club, or bought at the gate. For ticket information for the other events, contact each hosting ground.

The full BSPC Kings of the Sevens Tournament programme is as follows - Gala Sevens: April 3; Melrose Sevens: April 9; Hawick Sevens: April 16; Berwick Sevens: April 17; Langholm Sevens: April 23; Peebles Sevens: April 24; Kelso Sevens: April 30; Earlston Sevens: May 1; Selkirk Sevens: May 7; Jedforest Sevens: May 14.

Dave Kilshaw, from BSPC (Scottish Borders Solicitors Property Centres) sponsor of the Kings of the Sevens, added: "The atmosphere at a rugby sevens is second to none and this tournament gives the chance to visit ten different towns and discover what each one has to offer."