The Hamiltons boys seems very relaxed after a long 9 hour flight, to Dubai with a 3 hour lay over, then another 7 hours to Scotland.
It didnt end there, as we headed straight to the field after we landed for a training session then we went to our meet and greet with our host families and dinner.
What I have to admire is that Melrose still uses the old school method, that the first few days of the week leading up to the tournament, families hosts 2 players per family. some guys staying with families that they were with last year, others gets to meet a new one.
That is what adds to making this game of Rugby such a global sport where you get to meet so many different people and build the oddest friendships.
I have met an amazing family who is hosting me.
Mike and Poppet Thompson has really welcomed me with such warm hearts. Their son Tom ( pictured below) will be head of our entertainment committe for the rest of the week. Good luck to him!
I now stay on a 320 hectare Farm which they call home, and everywhere you look, is green meddows, and green grass and trees for miles. beuatifull to say the least.
I sat over a cup of tea and treats with them and found out they have been hosting since 1993. Had a look at their photo album, and they have hosted the likes of Breyton Paulse, Gaffie du Toit, Johan Petersen to just mention a few.
Melrose Scotland is where the game of 7’s started, and I have to admit, I have travelled all over the world, played 7’s at the highest levels, but never got the opportunity to play in Scotland.
Always wanted to be part of the historic event that I am so passionate about. I knew there was a reason that I ended up eventually getting to come here so late in my career, because if it was any sooner, I would miss the lesson about how there are still people who are geniune, who really care about the game and are still passionate to the core. who hug you for the first time, and make you feel like you know each other for years.
They are interested in what you do and do not pass judgement.
Well done to Melrose for sticking to tradition, and adding a wonderful family to my friend’s list. This is just the first day, and already I cant wait to see what day 2 holds for us…
Saturday will be the 128th Melrose 7’s tournament, and it will be as historical as the 127 before it.
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