The Scottish internationalists and club stars have long since played their last game – but their magic in some classic encounters for town and country will never be forgotten.

Jim played 52 times for Scotland and toured with the Lions, while Hovis – dogged by injury – was awarded five Scottish caps and had the glory of defeating England on consecutive Saturdays in 1971 during centenary celebrations.

And on Saturday, they'll once again pull on club jerseys in an over-35 vets match prior to a pre-season friendly – is there such a thing? – between the Greens and the Maroons.

But their appearances will be brief. Arthur, now 58, in his role as non-playing captain, is expected to take the kick-off and retire to the touchline. Jim, now aged 56, admits he'll enjoy a few movements in non-contact red shorts.

The match is being staged in a bid to boost interest in vets' rugby throughout the Borders. The Scottish Rugby Union is eager to boost the number of clubs who have a vets' section. Their thinking is that bringing back auld heids will encourage younger players into the fold.

The SRU's development officer Brian Renwick told TheSouthern: "There are currently 973 adult players registered in the Borders and what better way to increase this by encouraging the older players back to the clubs.

"We hope all the Borders clubs will join Gala and Selkirk, who already have vets' teams. Obviously this type of game is geared up to the fun element, with players enjoying the game on the pitch and, just as importantly, enjoying the social side after."

Vets' rugby is played world-wide under modified laws to take account of varying ages. There's no wiping-out at rucks or mauls and all tackles must be below the waist. And players wear different coloured shorts – black for the fiery young bucks between 35 and 40; white for those between 40 and 50, and red for the over-50s, indicating they cannot be tackled or execute a tackle, they can only be held or touched with two hands.

Arthur said: "I used to play the vets' game but this time I'm happy to be non-playing captain and I'll carry on the port at half time – that's an important job. You have to be careful about taking knocks at my age."

Jim – who played his last competitive game at the age of 40 (although he did have a run on a tour to Trinidad about eight years ago) admits he's being doing some light training.

He told us: "This is a great opportunity to get some of the old boys back to the clubs. I'm not involved at all now and there are a lot of lads like me.

"Professionalism changed the game. You can't turn the clock back, but it would be great to see some of the passion that once existed in Gala-Hawick encounters – that would bring back the crowds."

The Hawick v Gala vets' match kicks off at 1.30pm and the main match is at 3pm.

Both teams have mustered squads of around 25 – but additional players are welcome.