History of Stirling County RFC
In 1870, two rugby clubs, Stirling County Club and Stirling Town Club were founded, pioneering the sport in the Stirling area, but interest in the game waned and by the early 1880's both Clubs ceased.
However, rugby continued to be played locally at school level and by the late 1880s a Former Pupils (FP) Club of the High School of Stirling was formed, and in 1904 the FP Club was elected as Full Members of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU).
The first XV of 1955In 1925, a 'breakaway' Club, Bridge of Allan RFC was formed playing at Strathallan Park, although the FPs continued at Williamfield. There was intense but friendly rivalry between both Clubs up to the Second World War, but in 1946 both Clubs amalgamated and assumed one of the former names, Stirling County RFC. Arrangements were made with the SRU to continue full membership of the new Club.
Strathallan Park was elected 'home' ground of Stirling County RFC until 1968 when the Club acquired the lease of the ground at Bridgehaugh Park, and the Clubhouse was opened in 1969.
Whilst the team of 1959-60 went undefeated, it was not until the formation of the national leagues in the 1970's that Stirling had a springboard to success. Despite an early set back by relegation from Division 5 to Division 7 at the end of season 1974/75, the Club were champions of that division in 1976/77 and went on to achieve successive promotions to Division 3. A vital factor in this success was the creation of a strong and vibrant youth section from the mid-70s.
Promotion was gained to Division 1 at the end of season 1988/89. Six years later, 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 the local Forthbank Stadium in 1995.
The hopeful squad of 1974County re-developed Bridgehaugh Park in the mid-90s, with a new grandstand, floodlighting, spectator hard-standing, car parking, indoor sports hall and hospitality facilities, providing one of the finest club rugby venues in Scotland.
Over the past decade, Stirling County moved between Division 1 and Division 2, winning the Second Division title on four occasions in 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2010. In 2011/12, County recorded their highest league finish for 16 years, with fourth place in Premier One, and qualified for the cross-border British & Irish Cup competition.
Stirling County 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, John Barclay, Richie Gray and David Denton.
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