Ned Haig facts for kids
Ned Haig was a Scottish man famous for inventing a faster, more exciting version of rugby called rugby sevens. He was born in Jedburgh, Scotland, on December 7, 1858. Later, he moved to Melrose, where he became a butcher.
Ned loved playing rugby union and joined the Melrose Rugby Football Club in 1880. In 1883, he had a brilliant idea to help his club raise money. He suggested a new type of rugby game with only seven players per team, instead of the usual fifteen. These games would also be much shorter, lasting only 15 minutes. This new game became known as rugby sevens, and it quickly grew very popular around the world.
Early Life in Scotland
Ned Haig was born in the town of Jedburgh, Scotland. When he was young, his family moved to Melrose. He worked as a butcher.
Ned became interested in rugby after playing in a traditional local game called Fastern's E'en Ba. He joined the Melrose RFC in 1880. At first, he played for the club's second team. Soon, he was good enough to play for the main team. He even played for the South of Scotland team.
How Rugby Sevens Began
In 1883, Ned Haig's rugby club, Melrose RFC, needed money. Ned came up with a great idea to help. He suggested holding a special sports day to raise funds.
He knew it would be hard to play many full rugby games in one afternoon. So, he thought of a new way to play. He decided that teams would have only seven players instead of fifteen. Also, each game would be much shorter, lasting only 15 minutes. This made the games faster and more exciting.
The first ever Melrose Sports day happened on April 28, 1883. It included different sports, but the main event was the new rugby tournament. Eight teams took part in this first rugby sevens competition. Ned Haig played for the Melrose team. They won the final game against their local rivals, Gala. The Melrose ladies gave them a special cup, which is now called The Ladies Cup.
This new tournament was a huge success right away. Other rugby clubs in the Borders region quickly started their own rugby sevens competitions.
Ned Haig's Legacy
Even after Ned Haig stopped playing rugby, he stayed involved with the Melrose club. He served on their committees for many years, helping to run the club. He passed away in Melrose on March 28, 1939.
In 2008, Ned Haig and the Melrose RFC were honored for their important role in creating rugby sevens. They were added to the IRB Hall of Fame, which celebrates the greatest people and teams in rugby history.
Gravestone Inscription
Ned Haig's gravestone in Melrose has a special message. It says:
Edward 'Ned' Haig Born Jedburgh 7th December, 1858 Died Melrose 29th March 1939 Erected by the Border Rugby Clubs in memory of the originator of seven-a-side Rugby.
