St John’s Care Home resident honoured for a lifetime of rugby service

St John’s Care Home resident and much-loved rugby stalwart Jack Dun has been inducted into the Melrose Rugby 7’s Hall of Fame. The honour comes in appreciation of a lifetime of dedicated service to the club as a player, club president and committee member.

Jack has seen 80 Sevens tournaments at the nearby Greenyards ground since he attended his first in 1934 at the age of eight, playing for many years, as well as refereeing. In the role of Club President, he oversaw the Centenary Sevens in 1983, and it was only at the age of 90 that Jack finally stood down from the Sevens Committee.

Accompanied by his rugby-playing grandson Matthew, Jack attended the pre-tournament awards dinner at the famous Melrose ground, unaware that he would be presented with an honours cap by former Scottish internationalist John Jeffrey. Jack was thrilled to be honoured in his home town, and especially for his work on the annual Sevens tournament, traditionally held on the second Saturday in April.

St John’s Wellness Coordinator Denise Lissoni said: “St John’s is just up the hill from the Greenyards, and Jack is such a part of Melrose. Rugby is his life and he gets down to the Melrose club house every week for a coffee and to talk rugby. He was delighted to be honoured by the club he loves, and to receive the cap.”

Many thanks to Mansfield Care Homes staff for the lovely photos.