Stirling County RFC
| Full name | Stirling County Rugby Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Union | Scottish Rugby Union | ||
| Nickname(s) | The County | ||
| Founded | 1880 (as Stirling High School FP) | ||
| Region | Stirling | ||
| Ground(s) | Bridgehaugh - "The Haugh!" (Capacity: 4,000) | ||
| President |  Kevin Robertson | ||
| Coach(es) |  Graeme Young | ||
| Captain(s) | Alex Moffat | ||
| League(s) | Scottish Premiership | ||
| |||
| Official website | |||
| www | |||
Stirling County RFC is a rugby union club in the Scottish Rugby Union based in Stirling that plays 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, James McLaren, Richie Gray, David Denton and Grant Gilchrist.
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. Both County's Under-18s and Under-16s compete in the inaugural National Youth Leagues.
Stirling County's 2nd XV compete in RBS National Reserve League One and the 3rd XV play in Caledonia Division 4 Midland.
Stirling County's Women's team won promotion to Premier One in 2012/13, and play in the top-flight for the first time, only a few years since their formation.
External links
- Official Site: http://www.stirlingcounty-rfc.co.uk/