Dunfermline Rugby Football Club

In 1986, William Keegan M.A., a member of the Club for 35 years, serving on the Selection and Management Committee becoming Vice-President in 1968 and President in 1970, researched and compiled a book titled “Dunfermline Rugby Football Club – A Brief History” covering the years from 1896 to 1986. The Club is indebted to him for researching and preserving such a substantial part of the history of the Club.

Copies of the book, which also contains Reminiscences contributed by several noteworthy individuals associated with the Club at that time, are still available from the Club Secretary at a cost of £3.50.

Subsequent to publication of the book, a photograph of Dunfermline R.F.C. taken in 1893 surfaced and further research revealed reference to the Club playing matches that year.

An article in the Dunfermline Press published on 18th March 1893, quoted:-

“It may not be in the knowledge of many that the older game of rugby has lately been revived in Dunfermline, mainly through the instrumentality of some old Merchiston boys in the town. A Club has been organised and already the membership numbers between 40 and 50. Today fifteen of the Club journey to Dollar to play their first match against the Dollar Academy fifteen. Though much cannot be expected of the team seeing they have only had a few practices, still we may be sure that they will do their best today for the honour of the Auld Grey Toun”.

The next season started in October 1893 and the Club’s first match was again against Dollar, who won 3-0. It was a “very fast and interesting game” according to the Press of 28th October 1893. “Page was easily the best of the forwards although they all played a good game”. Behind the maul, Cameron’s long kicks and Beveridge’s tackling were of immense service to their side”.

In 1896, the Fife Free Press, the Kirkcaldy equivalent of the Dunfermline Press, mentioned a game between Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy. Between then and 1905 there are indications that Rugby Football was played in the town with no evidence of unbroken playing. As no Rugby was played in local schools, the Club relied for players on local boys who attended Edinburgh schools with the addition of some recruits previously thirled to the Association games.

Fixtures were arranged against Edinburgh Junior Clubs with the addition of games against some Midland Clubs such as Kirkcaldy, Cupar and Perth. Games were played on the Race Park adjacent to the present McKane Park. Jerseys had green and white stripes.

For season 1906-7, the Club moved over the railway to what was then known as Ladysmill Park, later McKane Park. Financially, however the venture was not a success. Difficulties were also experienced regarding payment of rent for the field, a financial problem that was to recur in the future. During that season, an exhibition game was played against Kirkcaldy at Cowdenbeath to help the funds of the local Soccer Clubs. It was the first time Rugby was played at Cowdenbeath and the last till 1934 when a local club, styled West of Fife, was formed.

In the season 1909-10, the Club, again in financial difficulties, moved to Venturefair Park, now the site of Queen Anne High School thanks to the generosity of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust. The Club, then styled Dunfermline Rugby Football Club, remained at that location till the 1914-18 war.

Between 1914 and 1920, no official Rugby Football was played but in the latter year, on 7th April, a public meeting was held in St. Margaret’s Hall, which lay adjacent to the present Public Library, with the intention of resuscitating the Club and in September, at a general meeting, it was decided to ask McKane Park’s Trustees’ permission to have the use of McKane Park. Since, before the outbreak of the war the Club had played at Venturefair and the Rosyth Club at McKane Park, it was proposed that the Clubs amalgamate. This, however did not materialise. The Club strip now consisted of white jersey with a badge, blue shorts and blue stockings with white tops.

Application was successfully made for membership of the Midland Counties Union. In addition, in 1920, the Club was admitted to full membership of the Scottish Rugby Union.

In season 1922-23, the colours of the Club jerseys were changed to royal blue with a white band. In the Midland

League, the Club was undefeated, scoring 336 points and losing only 6. Furthermore, the North of Scotland Cup and the Midland Sevens were won.

In February 1928, H. Lind was chosen to play at stand-off half against Ireland, the first of the Club’s internationalists. In that season too, a Dunfermline player, C. H. C. Brown, played on the wing in the Calcutta match -v- England at Murrayfield and scored a try.

In the season 1928-29, the Club was included in the unofficial championship, the criterion for entry to which was a sufficient number of first class fixtures. The highlight of the season was a win against Glasgow Accies, at that time one of the premier Scottish Clubs, and the win was the more noteworthy since the game was played in Glasgow.

However, the season 1930-31 was undoubtedly the most successful from a playing point of view in the history of the Club. Not only was the unofficial championship won, but the Seven saw victory in the prestigious Murrayfield (Infirmary) Sevens, the first occasion that the unofficial championship and the Murrayfield Sevens were won in the same season. In this season too, Alf Wilson was capped for the first time and played in three international matches against Ireland and France at centre three-quarter and against England at full back. Harry Lind also played in these three games, the only occasion when the Club provided two players in an international game.

Season 1931-32, saw A. H. M. (Harry) Hutton represent Scotland at full back against Ireland and he might well have been honoured further but for injury.

Season 1932-33, saw further success for the Club when they shared an unofficial championship with Hawick.

In season 1935-36, the Club’s continuing prowess was indicated by the fact that again no fewer than six players were selected to play for the North of Scotland against the touring New Zealand All Blacks.

Season 1936-37, saw our first forward capped, with M. M. Henderson playing in all international matches.

Season 1938-39, saw another successful season, the climax of which was another win in the Murrayfield Sevens, however the Committee was constrained to make the mild suggestion that a little more mid-week training would be appropriate.

In September 1939, Britain declared war on Germany. The Annual General Meeting was adjourned. All fixtures were cancelled, although the Scottish Rugby Union indicated that fixtures could be arranged if there was no interference with national duties or regulations.

There were no further meetings until July 1946, when it was agreed that the Club be revived. When fixtures were resumed, the Club was back at McKane Park. Before play was possible, Club members had to mow the playing pitch, while the stand, exposed to six years of the weather, had all but disappeared.

Since clothing was still rationed, difficulty was experienced in securing jerseys. Twenty clothing coupons were provided by the Scottish Rugby Union and former players were asked to donate jerseys and any clothing coupons they felt they could spare. In addition to the clothing coupons, the Scottish Rugby Union also presented two balls. The players still changed for matches at Nethertown Institute. Meantime, the Cricket Club suggested that the Club take a lease of McKane Park and retain the use of the pitch as tenants.

Season 1946-47, saw the recovery of the Club after the war continue. The stand which had been blown down was replaced, donations being provided by Club members. During that season, the Race Park which lay to the north west of McKane was ploughed for agricultural purposes. As compensation for the loss, the Club was allowed the use of the field known as Milton Green, situated between McKane Park and Pittencrieff Glen, north of the railway (now no more). The sum paid to the Cricket Club for the rent of McKane Park remained at ‘\25. A plea, however was made asking that only £15 be accepted since heavy expenses incurred in improving the ground would also benefit the Cricket Club.

In 1947, subscriptions remained at £1.1/- for patrons and 10/6d for ordinary members. Since only white jerseys were available at this time, the Club colours had to be changed. The building of the new stand had been completed and paid for in full, while the new ground at Milton Green was in regular use. Proposals were made for improvements to the pavilion at Milton Green, including the provision of baths. These suggestions if implemented would obviate the need for changing at Nethertown Institute.

In 1948, L. R. Currie was chosen to play for Scotland, the first of his eight caps.

In 1949, the Club was again playing in blue and white colours and three XV’s were being fielded.

In 1952, J. Greenwood was selected to play wing forward against France, his first of twenty caps. He was later to Captain Scotland and play with the British Lions in South Africa, scoring a try in the first Test.

In season 1961-62, another name was added to our tally on internationalists when R. J. C. Glasgow was selected to play against France. He played in all four of the season’s international matches and scored a try against Wales at Cardiff, a game which Scotland won.

In 1963-64, Ron Glasgow was appointed Captain and was congratulated on receiving further caps, for scoring a try against England and for his part, as a member of a World XV, along with one other Scot, in the jubilee celebrations organised by the South African Union.

During the season 1967-68, discussions took place concerning ground and pavilion development. Ground extension included the possibility of a layout of approximately seven acres and new pitches. Negotiations concerning the purchase of ground adjoining McKane Park were completed, with more detailed discussions regarding the financial aspect. The McKane Park Trustees clarified the provisions of the lease and indicated that they would consider further the matter of the new Sports Club. Continuing discussions regarding ground and pavilion development resulted in an application being made to the Scottish Rugby Union for a loan of £8,000. Moves to establish a Sports Club continued. Members of the Rugby Club guaranteed £3,000 for the pavilion project. The McKane Park Trustees granted a lease of the ground to the Cricket and Rugby Clubs and thence to the Sports Club.

It was finally decided that the inaugural meeting of the new Sports Club should be held in October and that Mr. E. Munro, Rugby Club President, be nominated for the first Presidency of the Sports Club. The total cost of altering and extending existing premises came to £25,831.

The new Clubhouse was officially opened by Provost John Crawford and to mark the setting-up of the Sports Club, an International XV captained by the Scottish Cap, Ian Robertson, met the Club side which, although defeated, performed most creditably.

At the 1972 Scottish Rugby Union Annual General Meeting, it was agreed that competitive rugby be introduced in season 1973-74. The Club agreed to participate and was placed in Division 2. In preparation for the participation in the League system, a pool of 1st XV players was established. A. W. Wilson was elected President of the Scottish Rugby Union in the Scottish Rugby Union’s centenary year. On the playing side, the Club finished ninth in the final unofficial championship and won the Midland and Kirkcaldy Sevens.

In 1974, the Club had an excellent season. The 1st XV, in the first season of leagues, won promotion to the 1st Division and were the only side to defeat Kelso, winners of the 2nd Division championship. The Midlands Sevens at McKane Park were successful financially and the Club retained the Cup. The Club also won the Kirkcaldy Sevens.

In 1975, disappointingly the Club was relegated from the 1st Division, after only one season, and more disappointment came in season 1977-78, when it was relegated to the 3rd Division.

In 1983-84, a young and enthusiastic side, with attendance at training much improved, gained what the Club had striven for over many seasons, promotion to Division 2.

Season 1984-85 proved, particularly as far as the 1st XV was concerned, most successful. Not only did they consolidate their position in Division 2 of the National Leagues, but they also came very near to achieving promotion to Division 1, finishing third after Kilmarnock and Preston Lodge.

During season 1985-86, the Club continued midi-rugby and Under-18 rugby and with mini-rugby flourishing, there had now been established a continuity which enabled boys to maintain an association with the Club from the age of eight.

For many seasons from the mid 1990’s continued to be successful and yet unlucky regarding promotion and relegation, remaining in and around the third tier of Scottish League rugby. However, this changed in 2009 when the 1st XV were promoted along with neighbours and rivals Kirkaldy from Scottish Premier 3 into Scottish Premier 2.