The World Series-ending Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s has announced a an exciting new partnership with Scottish rugby's most famous half back pairing, Roy Laidlaw and John Rutherford.
The Borders Sevens exponents joined forces in 35 tests for Scotland - at the time a world record for any international half back pair - and the same two men have now teamed up with the international Sevens weekend.
Laidlaw was last involved with the Scotland Sevens team as manager during the 2002 Commonwealth Games.
"Growing up in the Borders, Sevens was always an important part of your rugby but when I was involved with the national Sevens team I really had my eyes opened to what was happening around the world," he said.
"There's a real party atmosphere so groups of friends and families can come along and have good time while on the pitch there's a real, international-standard competition.
"That's what always struck me - the enjoyment for the spectators, the shortness of the games and the excitement of an amazing standard of rugby."
The eight-leg IRB Sevens World Series comes to a climax at the birth-place of Sevens, Scotland, on 29-30 May, 16 countries from around the world competing over two days at Murrayfield.
"Sevens is party time"
"It's party time and that's the way it should be, it should be a celebration and is fantastic for Scotland to get the last leg in the Series," Rutherford added.
"I'm a big fan of Sevens and the IRB Series, it's a terrific spectator sport. I think that anyone who comes along will be blown away by the athletisism and physicalty of these Sevens players.
"One of the great strengths of the tournament is that there about five teams capable of winning and another five who are really competitive and capable of knocking one of the big names out and I think that always makes for a great tournament."
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at Event Scotland, the national events agency, said: "Last year the Emirates Airline Edinburgh Sevens Festival attracted thousands of rugby fans to the city and generated more than £3 million for the Scottish economy.
"This year, we are expecting the event to be just as successful as rugby fans from across the UK flock to the city to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy this festival of rugby.
"Edinburgh has an unrivalled reputation as a destination for sport and the Edinburgh Sevens Festival is part of an impressive line up of rugby events taking place throughout the coming months. We look forward to welcoming the fans."
