The Full Story
Welcome to Helensburgh Cricket and Rugby Football club!
Welcome to Helensburgh Rugby Club
Whether you are interested in playing rugby, volunteering or becoming a member of the club we are pleased to welcome you.
The club is open to all members, players and parents of all ages and abilities, with the the clubs' intent:
"To encourage, promote and develop rugby; through being a vibrant, ambitious and inclusive Rugby Club providing opportunities for everyone of all age groups, genders and abilities. In order to be the club of choice throughout the local community."
The beginnings
Helensburgh Rugby Club was founded in 1963 by a group of local enthusiasts keen to bring senior rugby to the town. Despite having no pitch or union affiliation, the club’s founders, including Fergus Howat, Campbell Smith, Donald Fullarton and Derek Cousin-Wood, began by playing under the Shawlands FP banner. By 1969, they formally joined the Glasgow District Rugby Union and became Helensburgh Rugby Club, playing home fixtures at Ardencaple.
Green shoots take hold
The 1970s marked a period of growth, with the club gaining a permanent base, launching a Colts side, and merging with the town’s cricket club to form Helensburgh Cricket and Rugby Football Club. A new clubhouse followed in 1974, and Burgh earned promotion to the National Leagues by 1977.
Up, up and away
The club’s youth development flourished through the 1980s, leading to a golden era in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Powered by home-grown talent and strong leadership off the field, Helensburgh won five consecutive promotions, reaching National League Division 3 by 2003. That season, the club was named National League Team of the Year.
21st Century Burgh Boys
In 2012, Burgh enjoyed one of its proudest moments, completing a historic treble by winning the West Regional League, the West Regional Bowl, and the National Bowl at Murrayfield.
All in the same boat
Although the club has faced challenges in recent years, including player numbers and relegation to West League Division 2, it remains a vibrant community with a strong social side and a thriving youth section.
As we enter our sixth decade, Helensburgh Rugby Club continues to build on its legacy — proud of our roots, ambitious for the future.
"The First Fifty"
To explore the club’s full history, you can order Calum McNicol’s book ‘The First Fifty’ by emailing helensburghrfc63@gmail.com.
