Edinburgh and Scottish Thistles both name strong squads for Melrose Sevens

Edinburgh Rugby have named a squad that includes multiple senior players, mixed with academy and grassroots prospects. Meanwhile, Scotland Sevens will be represented by the ‘Scottish Thistles’ who are set to feature a number of exciting young talents.

Thistles have a rich history at the famous competition, having won the Centenary Trophy back in 2008 with a team that included future Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw and fellow internationailsts Richie Vernon and Chris Fusaro. This time around they will be captained by Scotland Sevens player Fin Callaghan.

Edinburgh Rugby Academy players Lewis Wells, Sam Leweni and Isaac Coates will play for Thistles as will Glasgow Warriors Academy scrum-half Brent Jackson. The South African born nine, who is eligible for Scotland and joined Warriors from the Sharks last year, will be a player many will be keeping a close eye on.

Thistles’ head coach, Ciaran Beattie, is looking forward to brining the guest team back to the Greenyards for this year’s event. He said: “To have a Scotland Sevens programme back this year has been brilliant and while we have been competing on the World Series with Great Britain, it’ll be special to play at Melrose this weekend representing the thistle.

“We have selected a good group of players who will really benefit from this experience, at such an iconic venue. We hope that this can become a regular fixture in our yearly calendar to aid the development of our players.”

Scottish Thistles team for 2026 Melrose Sevens: Fin Callaghan (Scotland 7s), Brent Jackson (Glasgow Warriors Academy), Lewis Wells (Edinburgh Rugby Academy), Sam Leweni (Edinburgh Rugby Academy ), Isaac Coates (Edinburgh Rugby Academy), Mitchell Newell (Strathclyde University), Gregor Johnston (Glasgow National Talent Pathway 3), Murray Waugh (Glasgow National Talent Pathway 2), Ritchie Mitchell (Gala RFC), Stevie Hamilton (Peebles RFC), Leo Munro (Stewarts Melville College / Watsonians RFC), Freddie Owsley (Chinnor RFC).

The Edinburgh team for this year’s event will be captained by former Scotland under 20 scrum-half Charlie Shiel. It will also include Harri Morris, Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Cammy Scott and Malelili Satala - all senior players at the Hive.

Edinburgh Rugby Sevens Coach Craig Dods said: “Melrose Sevens is one of the most iconic tournaments in rugby, and The Greenyards is a very special place to play. It’s a great opportunity for these players to pull on the Edinburgh jersey in that environment.

“We have a real mix of senior and academy players alongside guys joining us from a number of amateur clubs, and that blend is what makes this group so excitingl. Everyone is looking forward to getting out there – they can’t wait for that first tie.”

Edinburgh Rugby team for 2026 Melrose Sevens: Harri Morris, Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Ross McKnight, Fin Doyle, Charlie Shiel, Cammy Scott, Malelili Satala, Adam Williamson, Hugo Alderson, Angus Robson, Mason Cullen.

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