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The Scottish Government is to provide Borders Council with £10,000 to enhance its existing investment in rugby opportunities and supplementing funds already made available though the Cashback for Communities initiative.

And as the Cabinet met in Melrose today, First Minister Alex Salmond welcomed the possibility of the Rugby World Cup Sevens returning to Scotland.

Earlier, Mr Salmond and Sports Minister Shona Robison met Scottish Rugby Union Chairman Allan Munro and EventScotland Chief Executive Paul Bush at the Greenyards where they discussed the possibility of Scotland bidding to host the RWC 7s in 2013 - the year before rugby 7s will feature in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The FM joined Scotland's most capped player and highest ever points-scorer Chris Paterson and his Edinburgh Rugby team-mate and Scotland A and sevens internationalist Mark Robertson - both of whom hail from the Borders - for a youth coaching session.

Mr Salmond said:

"Rugby is a key part of our national sporting heritage, not least in the Scottish Borders where the towns' names are synonymous worldwide with the game.

"Players such as Chris and Mark are an inspiration to youngsters across Scotland and I'm delighted to see the enthusiasm of those taking part in the coaching session and to announce further funding to support the game's development locally.

"We are committed to supporting the work of national sporting agencies and local authorities to develop the game, both as an activity and a spectacle.

"Rugby is in fine fettle in Scotland under the management of the Scottish Rugby Union, particularly Rugby 7s.

"In May, Murrayfield will again host the finale of the IRB World Sevens Series, the Emirates Airline Edinburgh 7s Festival, and should Scottish Rugby be keen on putting their name forward to host the RWC 7s in 2013, we would be delighted to give them our full support in ensuring that it is a world-class tournament."

Allan Munro added:

"Scottish Rugby is enjoying very positive progress both on and off the park. This year we have been delighted to see around 150,000 young people taking part in rugby activity through our development officer network, targeting non-traditional rugby areas across the country and we thank the Scottish Government for their assistance.

"Growing and increasing the accessibility of the game is fundamental to Scottish Rugby's strategic objective to have 38,000 people playing rugby by 2012 and today's financial contribution is testimony to the collective success of the development officer network and the many dedicated volunteers who continue to put us ahead of schedule to meet that very ambitious target.

"We will await the documentation from the International Rugby Board in respect of RWC 7s 2013 before making any decision on whether to bid. However we are grateful for the continued and fulsome backing of the Scottish Government as we continue to grow our sport throughout Scotland."

Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Community Education, Councillor Graham Garvie, said:

"Rugby is part of our strong cultural heritage here in the Borders and we are delighted that the Scottish Government is joining with the Council to support its further development.

"We have an excellent rugby programme which provides a sustainable pathway through the development of core skills, schools programmes, clubs and performance. This additional funding will further develop our rugby programmes - thus widening opportunities for rugby in the Borders."

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