MELROSE have secured further sponsorship from a major brewer ahead of the club's step up to Super 6.

The Greenyards club was already backed by Belhaven.

But in a new deal, announced this week, the brewers of of Scotland’s best-selling ale, Belhaven Best, will support the Scottish champions for a further three years.

Melrose director of rugby Mike Dalgetty said: "We look forward to continuing our close partnership with Melrose Rugby throughout Belhaven Brewery’s 300th anniversary year in 2019 and beyond.

"Belhaven has enjoyed strong links with Scottish rugby for many years and it is with great pleasure that we continue this partnership into the new Super 6 franchise which launches in 2019/20 season."

From next season Melrose will step up to the new tier in Scottish rugby.

And they will be joined in the semi-professional Super 6 ranks by Ayr, Boroughmuir, Heriot’s, Stirling County and Watsonians.

President of Melrose Rugby, Douglas Hardie, is delighted with the new sponsorship deal ahead of the major changes coming to The Greenyards.

He told us: "We are delighted that Belhaven Brewery has decided to extend their involvement with the club, with particular thanks to Sales Director Graham Baird and Development Manager Keith Grieve for their assistance.

"We have always had a very good relationship with Belhaven and the new three year agreement will allow us to further develop this very important partnership.

"We look forward to a mutually beneficial affiliation during the next three years”