Melrose Sevens will move from its traditional April slot in the calendar and take place over a weekend in May next year, organisers have confirmed.
The move has been taken to ensure there is no clash with an extended Premiership fixture schedule for the forthcoming season.
Melrose Sevens has traditionally been played on the second weekend in April, but Scottish Rugby's fixture list for 2024/25 has that listed as a standby for rescheduled league matches.
That could lead to a "significant risk of impacting the availability of teams and referees" the organisers said.
Instead, the 2025 Melrose Sevens will now take place from May 22 to 25.
The traditional 1883 Centenary Cup will be played on the Saturday, May 24, and will take the form of a 24-team competition and will retain its traditional knockout format.
There has already been strong interest from club teams in New Zealand, Australia, England and France.
Organisers said the invitational sides will be from "recognised rugby clubs" and will field squads of "club-strength" players.
A statement from Melrose Rugby said: As the tournament builds towards Melrose Rugby club’s 150th anniversary celebrations in 2027 and the 150th playing of the Melrose Sevens in 2033, the tournament will be the final leg of the Scottish Borders Kings of the Sevens series with the champions crowned at the home of rugby sevens."
A four-team women's competition will again take place at the Greenyards.
Melrose Sevens tournament director Phil Morris said: “We believe this date change will not only alleviate any scheduling conflicts, but also provide an exciting opportunity for fans to enjoy the tournament during a festive bank holiday weekend.
"We look forward to welcoming rugby enthusiasts from around the world to Melrose for what promises to be another fantastic weekend of rugby.
"We have responded to concerns about semi-pro or specialised sevens guest teams being too powerful with a focus on inviting recognised club strength teams, with the ambition that the Scottish rugby public will continue to enjoy the highest standard of sevens at Melrose, the birthplace of the sevens game.
"We hope both competitions continue to develop rugby sevens, as well as showcasing the heritage and values of the game of rugby here in the Scottish Borders.
"The Melrose Sevens is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, the attraction of quality teams and spectators from across the globe and we are sure that the 2025 tournament will live up to this legacy.”
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