YOUNGSTERS with Dunfermline Rugby Club will have the chance to follow in the footsteps of a Scotland hero at one of the game’s most iconic tournaments next month.

Talented up-and-coming players with the McKane Park outfit will take part in an initiative aimed at encouraging the next generation at the annual Melrose Sevens festival, which takes place on Saturday, April 8.

The Junior Coaching Clinic, which takes place before the famous Borders tournament, is designed to train, nurture and scout future stars of Scottish Rugby and the Dunfermline players were hand-picked alongside 120 others from schools and clubs across the country.

Now in its 34th year, the clinic has assisted and inspired thousands of young rugby enthusiasts over the years and previous graduates include international talisman Stuart Hogg, his Scotland team-mate, Ruaridh Jackson, and Scotland Sevens players – and identical twins – Lewis and Gregor Young.

The initiative is run by a number of professional coaches, including former Edinburgh head coach and current Romania coach Rob Moffat, meaning that the Dunfermline youngsters will have access to quality training.

Following their morning training session, the players will then have the opportunity to watch some top-class rugby when the 127th Melrose Sevens begins, which will see 24 teams – including the Swedish national team and English cracks Harlequins – battle it out alongside home favourites such as Hawick, Selkirk and Stewart’s Melville for the coveted trophy.