Stirling County RFC

Stirling County
Full name Stirling County Rugby Football Club
Union Scottish Rugby Union
Nickname(s) The County
Founded 1880 (1880) (as Stirling High School FP)
Ground(s) Bridgehaugh - "The Haugh!" (Capacity: 4,000)
President John Wright
Captain(s) Jonny Hope
League(s) Scottish Premiership
2017–18 Scottish Premiership, 7th of 10
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.stirlingcounty-rfc.co.uk

Stirling County RFC is a Scottish rugby union club based in Stirling. The club plays its home games at Bridgehaugh and competes in the Scottish Premiership.

History

During the season of 2004–05, Stirling County celebrated its centenary. Rugby has its origins in the town in the 1870s, resulting in the formation of Stirling High School F.P.’s in the latter part of the nineteenth century. The F.P. club joined the Scottish Rugby Union in 1904, hence the celebration of the centenary this season. In 1925, Bridge of Allan Rugby Club was founded with both clubs uniting in 1946 to form Stirling County.

While the team of 1959–60 went undefeated, it was not until the formation of the national leagues in the 1970s that Stirling had a springboard to success. Another vital factor was the creation of a strong and vibrant youth section at this time. In 1995, County achieved the unique distinction of being the first club to rise through the ranks from the depths of the seventh division and win the Scottish Championship.

Uniquely, the club played against the Barbarians at Stirling Albion F.C. home, Forthbank Stadium in 1995. The club has been prolific in producing a large number of age-group internationalists while senior internationalists who have worn County’s colours include George Graham, Allister Hogg, Ian Jardine, Alastair Kellock, Kenny Logan, Kevin McKenzie, Alison McGrandles, James McLaren, Richie Gray, Grant Gilchrist, Adam Ashe and Finn Russell.

In 2012–13, County recorded their highest league finish for 16 years, third place in RBS Premier One, and qualified for the cross-border British & Irish Cup competition for the second consecutive year.

Stirling County also has the most successful youth set-up, winning the Scottish National Youth League Cup more times than any other team, with County's Under-18s winning the trophy for the third consecutive year in 2012–13, their fifth win in the past six years, and County's Under-16s joint National Youth League Cup holders 2014–15. Both County's Under-18s and Under-16s compete in the inaugural National President's Conference Youth Leagues coached by the mighty Stuart Keys. The Under-16s also had an outstanding side that was captained by Chay Bennett who showed great commitment and effort throughout the season, unfortunately Bennet's season was cut short due to a horrific injury to his right shoulder and suffering a double leg break during his debut for The First Fifteen . The Under-18s won the league and were undefeated doing so.

Stirling County's 2nd XV compete in National Reserve League Division 1 while the 3rd XV play in Caledonia Division 3 Midlands.

Stirling County's Women's play in the top-flight BT Women's Premier League.

Honours

References

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