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Hawick RFC
Hawick RFC
from Wikipedia

Hawick Rugby Football Club is an semi-pro rugby union side, currently playing in the Scottish Premiership and Border League. The club was founded in 1885 and are based at Mansfield Park at Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

Key Information

Splinter from Hawick and Wilton RFC

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The premier club of Hawick was Hawick and Wilton RFC. This was formed by the Hawick and Wilton Cricket Club members as a sport to play in the winter. It ran the Hawick and Wilton Sevens; the fourth oldest rugby sevens tournament in the world (behind Melrose [1883]; Gala [April 1884] and Selkirk Cricket Club [May 1884]). For the members of Hawick and Wilton RFC however cricket came first and this led to the splinter club of Hawick RFC forming in 1885. Hawick and Wilton RFC continued on after Hawick RFC formed as rivals; and for a time both the Hawick and Wilton Sevens and the later Hawick Sevens co-existed. Hawick and Wilton RFC eventually folded in 1890 as its members decided to purely focus on cricket.[2]

Establishment of the club

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1885 saw some rugby players of Hawick and Wilton RFC found a new club to instead solely concentrate on rugby: the Hawick Football Club, moving to new premises at the Volunteer Park, just beyond the cricket pitch. New colours were adopted, dark green jerseys and stockings with white shorts, and in 1886 Hawick was admitted to membership of the Scottish Football (later Rugby) Union, only the 19th club to be admitted, the only earlier Border clubs being Gala and Melrose RFC.

In 1888 Hawick Football Club moved to its present home, Mansfield Park, at the other end of the town. The early seasons brought keenly contested games against Edinburgh Academicals, Gala, and Watsonians, and in 1896 Hawick won their first Scottish Unofficial Championship.[3]

1945 to 1972 – Scottish domination

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Between 1945 and 1972, Hawick club firmly established among the leaders of Scottish rugby, winning the unofficial championship eight times, taking the Border League title fifteen times, and earning fame as sevens specialists.

In the 1950s, all 15 of Hawick RFC were approached by rugby league scouts from Yorkshire.[3]

In this period, Hugh McLeod, George Stevenson, Adam Robson, and Derrick Grant alone won 100 international caps between them, while fifteen other Greens played for their country.

1972 onwards

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The official Scottish championship began in season 1973–74 and since that time Hawick has won the championship on twelve occasions. The proud record of winning the first Border League in 1901–02 and the first Scottish championship in 1973–74 was added to in 1995–96 when the club were also first winners of the Scottish Cup. Indeed, in season 2002–03, the Greens completed the treble, winning Scottish League championship, Scottish Cup and Border League championship.

In 2009, the club was relegated to the second tier for the first time in their history. Hawick regained their place in the Premiership at the end of the 2012–13 season with a 39–38 playoff victory over Dundee HSFP.[4]

Hawick Force

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The club run a 2nd XV called Hawick Force, who play in the new Border Junior League.

Forwards Coaches: Matthew Landels,

Backs Coach:

Team Manager: Kenny "Shovie" Colville [5]

Honours

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  • Scottish Unofficial Championship
    • Champions (10 + 4 shared): 1895–96, 1899-1900 (with Edinburgh Academicals and Edinburgh University), 1908-09 (with Watsonians), 1926–27, 1932-33 (with Dunfermline), 1948–49, 1954–55, 1959–60, 1960–61, 1963–64, 1964-65 (with West of Scotland), 1965–66, 1967–68, 1971–72
  • Scottish Premiership
    • Champions (13): 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1981–82, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2022–2023
  • Scottish League Championship, second tier
    • Runners-Up (1): 2012–13
  • Scottish Cup
    • Champions (4): 1995–96, 2001–02, 2022-23, 2023-24
    • Runners-Up (1): 2014–15
  • Langholm Sevens
    • Champions (29): 1909, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1922, 1923, 1927, 1932, 1946, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1962, 1966, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1985, 1991, 2000, 2004, 2009, 2012, 2015
  • Melrose Sevens
    • Champions (28): 1887, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1900, 1901,1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1919, 1922, 1924, 1925, 1927, 1929, 1933, 1946, 1953, 1955, 1966, 1967
  • Hawick Sevens
    • Champions (49): 1886, 1887, 1888, 1892, 1894, 1895, 1898, 1900, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1909, 1911, 1912, 1921, 1924, 1927, 1930, 1932, 1933, 1948, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1957,1961, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1983, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1998, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016
    • Hawick hold the record for most consecutive victories (6): 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
  • Gala Sevens
    • Champions (42): 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1906, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1927, 1928, 1931, 1932, 1933, 1935, 1940, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1956, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1978, 1979, 1986, 1992, 2007
    • Hawick hold the record for most consecutive victories (6): 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898
  • Jed-Forest Sevens
    • Champions (28): 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1912, 1919, 1923, 1924, 1927, 1928, 1929, 1931, 1949, 1953, 1954, 1957, 1960, 1961, 1966, 1968, 1972, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1988, 1991, 2009
  • Peebles Sevens
    • Champions (1): 1926
  • Kelso Sevens
    • Champions (15): 1923, 1925, 1929, 1935, 1945, 1951, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1966, 1967, 1968
  • Earlston Sevens
    • Champions (12): 1925, 1926, 1946, 1948, 1956, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970
  • Selkirk Sevens
    • Champions (15): 1919, 1924, 1927, 1930, 1933, 1939, 1953, 1954, 1957, 1959, 1966, 1967, 1969, 1981, 1986
  • Walkerburn Sevens
    • Champions (3): 1998, 2000, 2007
  • Hawick Linden Sevens
    • Champions (1): 2019 (won by Hawick Force)
  • Hawick and Wilton Sevens
    • Champions (3): 1886, 1887, 1888[2]

Notable players

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1888 British Isles tourists

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Three Hawick players took part in the 1888 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia

Other famous players

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The famous rugby commentator Bill McLaren also played for Hawick.[3]

See also

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References

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Bibliography

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Hawick Rugby Football Club (HRFC), commonly known as Hawick RFC or The Greens, is a semi-professional club based at in , , . Founded on December 8, 1873, it is one of Scotland's oldest rugby clubs and has established itself as a powerhouse in domestic rugby through a storied history of competitive success and community involvement. The club has achieved significant milestones in Scottish rugby, including winning the inaugural official Scottish Club Championship in the 1973–74 season and securing the title a record 12 times since then, with consecutive victories in the first five years following the league's introduction in 1973–74. Hawick also claimed the first Border League in 1901–02 and lifted the in the 2022–23 and 2023–24 seasons, ending a 21-year wait for major silverware in 2023 and earning recognition as the team of the year in regional sports awards. These accomplishments underscore Hawick's dominance in the , where the club currently competes, and its role in the historic Border League. Renowned for its talent development, has produced over 65 players who have earned international caps for Scotland's men's and women's teams, including prominent figures such as Colin Deans, Jim Renwick, , and recent stars like . This remarkable output from a town of around 14,000 residents highlights the club's integral place in Scottish rugby heritage, with many alumni contributing to national squads and even tours dating back to the . Beyond the pitch, Hawick RFC fosters a strong community ethos, hosting international touring sides and engaging in initiatives like sustainability efforts supported by Scottish Rugby.

History

Origins and Formation

The origins of Hawick RFC trace back to the Hawick and Wilton Cricket Club, whose members met in October 1872 to discuss incorporating rugby into their activities amid the sport's growing popularity in the Scottish Borders. On December 8, 1873, this led to the formal establishment of Hawick and Wilton RFC as a multi-sport entity, with its initial rugby activities centered at Buccleuch Park, the established home ground of the cricket club; rugby was secondary to cricket in the early years, limiting organized matches due to the focus on the summer sport. By the mid-1880s, rising enthusiasm for rugby created tensions within and Wilton RFC, as dedicated players sought greater emphasis on the winter code rather than treating it as an adjunct to . In , a group of these rugby enthusiasts splintered from the parent club to form Football Club (later Hawick RFC), dedicated exclusively to , marking the birth of the independent entity that would become one of Scotland's premier clubs. The new club adopted an initial playing kit of blue and white striped jerseys and stockings, paired with navy shorts and caps, reflecting the era's modest attire. Shortly after its formation, Hawick RFC updated its colors to dark green jerseys and stockings with white shorts, a change that symbolized its distinct identity and has endured in variations to the present day. In , the club was admitted as the 19th affiliate member of the Scottish Football Union (predecessor to the Scottish Rugby Union), joining earlier Borders clubs such as , Gala, and Melrose in the national governing body. This affiliation provided formal recognition and access to competitive fixtures, solidifying the club's foundations.

Early Development

Following its reorganization as Hawick Football Club in 1885, the team played its initial matches at Volunteer Park, located adjacent to the local cricket pitch, marking the beginning of dedicated rugby activities separate from the predecessor club's cricket focus. These early games were limited by the scarcity of local opponents and players' work commitments, but they fostered growing interest in the sport within the Borders region. By 1888, the club had secured a permanent home at , where it remains based today, enabling more consistent fixtures against emerging rivals such as Gala and . Hawick's competitive growth accelerated in the late 19th century through participation in regional and national competitions. Admitted as the 19th member of the Scottish Football Union in 1886, the club engaged in keenly contested matches against prominent sides like Edinburgh Academicals and Watsonians. It entered the Border League upon its in 1901–02, securing the inaugural title and establishing itself as a dominant force in Borders rugby. Earlier, in 1896, Hawick claimed its first Scottish Unofficial Championship, a prestigious recognition based on season-long performances against top amateur clubs, highlighting the team's rising prowess before formal leagues were introduced. The club also pioneered sevens rugby traditions, launching the Hawick Sevens tournament in 1886 at —the third-oldest such event globally, following Melrose (1883) and Gala (1884). This initiative, organized by Hawick RFC, quickly became a of the club's identity, promoting the fast-paced variant of the game and attracting participants from across , while reinforcing local enthusiasm for rugby variants. The outbreak of the profoundly disrupted Hawick's progress, with competitive play suspended or severely curtailed due to player enlistments and national priorities. During , the club lost numerous members, including prominent international Walter Sutherland, capped 13 times for and a Hawick stalwart with over 100 appearances, who was killed in action in October 1918. Similar challenges arose in , though specific club records from the period emphasize the overall toll on Borders rugby communities, halting organized activities until 1945.

Post-War Domination

Following the end of , RFC experienced a significant revival, rebuilding its squad and reasserting its position as a leading force in Scottish rugby. The club transitioned from the disruptions of wartime to consistent competitive success, with players like Derrick Grant emerging as pivotal figures during the late 1950s and 1960s. Grant, a -born back-row forward who earned 14 caps for between 1965 and 1968, exemplified the club's growing talent pool and contributed to its on-field leadership as both a player and early coaching influence within the system. This period marked Hawick's unparalleled dominance, as the club secured eight unofficial Scottish championships between 1945 and 1972, a record that underscored its status as the preeminent team in the era before formal leagues were established. Complementing these national honors, Hawick claimed 15 Border League titles during the same span, often finishing seasons with superior win percentages against regional rivals such as Melrose, Gala, and Jed-Forest. These victories were built on a structured approach to preparation, with the club prioritizing rigorous training regimens that enhanced player conditioning and tactical cohesion. Hawick's excellence extended to the sevens format, where the club dominated Border tournaments, including multiple triumphs at its own Hawick event—dating back to 1886 but revitalized post-war—and other key fixtures like the Melrose Sevens, which they won consecutively in the late 1940s and . This success in shorter, high-intensity matches highlighted the squad's speed and endurance, contributing to an overall reputation for outlasting opponents. The era also saw the rise of legendary players who embodied the "Hawick Way," a philosophy centered on exceptional fitness levels and seamless teamwork to execute disciplined, high-tempo play. Figures such as stand-off Alex Laidlaw, who captained in the and amassed 18 international appearances while starring for , and lock-forward Alister Campbell, a stalwart in the 1960s forward pack, became symbols of this ethos, helping forge a legacy of collective strength over individual flair.

Modern Era

The introduction of the official in the 1973-74 season marked a new competitive era for Hawick RFC, transitioning from unofficial championships to a structured national league. The club quickly established dominance, securing their first title in 1973-74 and embarking on a remarkable run of five consecutive championships from 1973-74 to 1977-78. This period solidified Hawick's reputation as a powerhouse in Scottish club rugby, with further successes including titles in 1981-82, 1983-84 through 1986-87, 2000-01, 2001-02, and 2022-23, bringing their total to 13 Premiership crowns since the league's inception. Hawick's modern achievements extended beyond league play, with the club claiming their inaugural in the 1995-96 season after defeating Watsonians 18-12 in the final. This victory was part of a broader resurgence, culminating in a historic treble during the 2001-02 campaign, where Hawick won the Premiership, (beating Glasgow Hawks 30-14 at Murrayfield), and Border League titles. The treble highlighted the club's balanced strength across competitions, blending tactical discipline with local talent development. Subsequent cup successes in 2023 (31-13 over Marr) and 2024 (32-29 against Edinburgh Accies) underscored Hawick's enduring cup pedigree. Despite these peaks, the modern era has included significant challenges and adaptations. In the 2008-09 season, Hawick suffered relegation from Premiership Division One to Division Two for the first time since the league's formation, finishing bottom after a string of defeats amid squad transitions. The club responded swiftly, earning promotion back to the top flight in 2012-13 by winning National League Division One and defeating in a playoff. Since then, Hawick has maintained semi-professional status, competing consistently in the Premiership—avoiding further relegation—and the Border League, where they have claimed multiple titles, including in 2023-24. This resilience reflects strategic investments in coaching and youth pathways. The 2023 season brought reflective milestones as marked its 150th anniversary with the launch of the book Voices of Hawick Rugby, a compilation of club memories and histories, unveiled at . An accompanying exhibition at Hawick Museum highlighted the club's legacy, reopening in March 2024 to coincide with ongoing celebrations. Entering its 152nd year in 2025, continues to honor its traditions while adapting to contemporary demands. Recent years have spotlighted broader challenges in Borders rugby, including declining player participation rates that have led to clubs like Walkerburn folding after 140 years due to insufficient numbers. In response, and other Borders teams formed the Scottish Borders District Union (SBDU) in 2023 as an affiliate body to Scottish Rugby, focusing on devolved strategies for , participation growth, and resource sharing. These efforts aim to counteract regional trends, with emphasizing local outreach to sustain its semi-professional model amid 2025 discussions on rugby's viability. As of November 2025, is positioned mid-table in the ongoing 2024-25 Premiership season.

Club and Facilities

Home Ground

Hawick Rugby Football Club relocated to in 1888, marking a significant shift from their previous venue at Volunteer Park. This historic ground, located at the eastern end of the town, quickly became the club's permanent home and a central hub for rugby in the . With a capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators, including extensive standing areas around the pitch, accommodated large crowds that gathered to support the team during its early years. The venue has undergone key developments to enhance its facilities over the decades. In 1956, a new was constructed at a cost of £15,000, providing seating for 1,500 spectators and establishing it as the largest such structure among Borders rugby clubs. More recently, in 2020, the club launched the "Green Sky" project, a £35,000 aimed at replacing the aging stand with a modern, sustainable facility that incorporates features and supports broader redevelopment. This initiative seeks to ensure the ground's longevity while aligning with environmental goals. Mansfield Park holds a revered status in rugby circles, often regarded as a pilgrimage site due to its rich heritage and role in hosting international touring sides from around the world, including matches against prominent overseas teams. Beyond elite competition, the ground plays a vital role in the local community, serving as the venue for the annual Sevens tournament—one of Scotland's oldest sevens events—and hosting various gatherings such as weddings, conferences, and social functions in its clubhouse. These activities underscore its position as a multifaceted community asset in .

Teams and Structure

Hawick RFC's senior men's team competes in the Men's Premiership, Scotland's top tier of club rugby, and also participates in the Border League, maintaining a semi-professional status that allows players to balance competitive play with other commitments. The club's second XV, known as Hawick Force, operates in the Border Junior League, providing development opportunities for emerging players and serving as a pathway from youth ranks to the senior squad; in the 2023/24 season, Hawick Force secured the inaugural Border Junior League Cup with a 50-29 victory over Selkirk A. Hawick RFC supports a robust youth academy through Hawick Youth Rugby, which fields teams at U15, U16, and U18 levels, emphasizing skill development and progression to senior rugby via structured programs and school partnerships. The women's team competes in the Women's Premiership. The club is governed by a management committee outlined in its , which includes elected officials such as the president and , with a historical list of past presidents and captains dating back to 1902; Eddie Brogan serves as president for the 2025/26 season, overseeing operations rooted in . Hawick RFC fosters strong community ties as an open club welcoming all participants, promoting inclusivity through youth initiatives, events like the annual Hawick 7s, and partnerships that enhance local rugby development.

Achievements

Domestic Titles

Hawick RFC established itself as a dominant force in Scottish club rugby during the post-World War II era, securing eight unofficial Scottish championships between 1945 and 1972, a period marked by consistent excellence against top amateur sides across the country. The introduction of the official Scottish League Championship in the 1973-74 season ushered in Hawick's most prolific phase in structured domestic competition, with the club amassing 13 titles to date, more than any other team. Their inaugural victory came in 1973-74, followed by four more consecutive triumphs through 1977-78, showcasing an unparalleled run of dominance in the early years of the league. Additional successes included titles in 1981-82, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87, 2000-01, 2001-02, and their most recent in 2022-23, ending a 21-year drought and reaffirming their status as the competition's most decorated club. In the Scottish Cup, Hawick has claimed four victories, beginning with their breakthrough win in the inaugural 1995-96 edition against Watsonians. Further triumphs followed in 2001-02, when they completed a historic treble alongside the league and Border League titles, and in recent years with back-to-back successes in 2022-23 over Marr and 2023-24 against Edinburgh Academicals. Hawick's supremacy in the Border League, the oldest rugby union league dating back to 1901-02—a competition they won in its inaugural season—has been even more pronounced, with over 50 titles by the end of the 2023-24 campaign, including their 51st outright or shared honor. Key eras of dominance include the interwar years and consistent wins in the through , underscoring their regional hegemony alongside national achievements.

Sevens and Other Competitions

Hawick RFC played a pioneering role in the development of by establishing the Hawick Sevens tournament in 1886, making it the third-oldest extant sevens competition globally after the Melrose Sevens (1883) and Gala Sevens (1884). The club has hosted this annual knockout event at ever since, fostering the format's growth in the and beyond. Hawick has dominated their own tournament, securing a record 49 victories as of 2025, which highlights their enduring prowess in the shorter variant of the game. The club's success in sevens extends prominently to the Gala Sevens, inaugurated in 1884, where holds the record with 42 titles, far surpassing other competitors and exemplifying their regional supremacy. This dominance is evident across other Border sevens tournaments, including those at Melrose, Jed-Forest, and Kelso, where teams have frequently claimed victories, contributing to the area's reputation as the cradle of sevens rugby in . Early on, 's involvement helped innovate and popularize the format, with local clubs like theirs driving its spread from the Borders to national and international stages starting in the late . Hawick has actively participated in national sevens events, such as those organized by the Scottish Rugby Union, and contributed to early international exhibitions that showcased the Borders' style of fast-paced play. Their teams have competed in invitational tournaments across the , emphasizing speed and skill that influenced ' evolution. In contemporary times, the Hawick Sevens continues to attract competitive fields, as seen in the 2025 edition where Melrose defeated 24-14 in the final, maintaining the event's status as a highlight of the Borders rugby calendar.

Notable Figures

International Players

Hawick RFC has produced more than 60 players who have earned full international caps for the men's team, with additional players for the women's team bringing the total to over 65, underscoring the club's longstanding influence on the national teams. Among the most prominent is Adam Robson, a dynamic openside flanker who secured 22 caps for between 1954 and 1960 while playing his club rugby for Hawick. Alan Tomes, a towering lock-forward, amassed 48 caps from 1977 to 1987, contributing to Scotland's successes including the 1984 Grand Slam and featuring on the 1980 British Lions tour to . Jim Renwick, renowned for his midfield prowess, won 52 caps between 1972 and 1984 and was voted Hawick's favorite player of all time in a 2024 poll commemorating the club's 150th anniversary, receiving the most votes among over 60 nominees. The club's international legacy dates back to the origins of the sport in Scotland, with three Hawick players—brothers Willie Burnet and Bob Burnet, along with Alex Laing—selected for the inaugural 1888 British Isles tour to and , where they made a combined 78 appearances across 35 matches. Other notable contributors include Alister Campbell, a lock who earned 15 caps from 1984 to 1988 during a period of domestic dominance for . In more recent years, began his professional career at , honing his skills there before earning 100 caps for as a full-back and becoming one of the nation's most capped players.

Women's International Players

Hawick has also been a key producer of talent for the Scotland women's team, including Lana Skeldon, the most capped hooker with over 60 appearances as of 2025, and Lisa Thomson, a centre who served as vice-captain and earned over 50 caps.

Coaches and Administrators

Derrick Grant served as a pivotal for Hawick RFC during the 1960s and 1970s, leading the team to multiple unofficial club championships and Border League titles while earning 14 caps for as a back-row forward between 1965 and 1968. After his playing career, Grant transitioned to coaching Hawick, contributing to the club's sustained success in domestic competitions before taking on a national role as 's from 1983 to 1988, where he guided the team to notable victories, including their record win over . He passed away on 10 2024. The club's captaincy has been a cornerstone of its structure, with a documented of captains dating back to the 1963-64 season, including Derrick Grant in that inaugural year, followed by figures such as W. J. Hunter (1964-65), E. W. Broatch (1965-66), and N. Suddon (1966-67). In the , Colin Deans, a native and Scotland's most-capped hooker at the time of his retirement with 52 international appearances, skippered the senior team, embodying the club's tradition of producing disciplined, forward-dominated play. Deans later reflected on his in fostering team resilience during a period of transition in Scottish rugby. Administrators have played a crucial role in Hawick RFC's governance and longevity, with past presidents such as J. Beattie serving consecutively from 1963 to 1965, overseeing a era of post-war recovery and competitive growth. More recently, John Thorburn has been a dedicated club secretary for over five decades, managing operations and advocating for sustainability amid evolving professional structures in Scottish rugby. Bill McLaren, the iconic -born commentator known as the "Voice of Rugby," elevated the club's profile through his coverage of matches over nearly 50 years, providing insightful narration that captured Hawick's style and spirit for national audiences. In recent years, RFC marked its 150th anniversary during the 2023-2024 season—commemorating the club's founding on December 8, 1873—with events including a commemorative launch, an exhibition at Hawick Museum, a special dinner, and a capsule collection of memorabilia, all coordinated by club administrators to honor its history and engage the community. For the 2025-26 season, the club appointed new coaches including Douglas and Fred Stevenson, as part of efforts to adapt to modern rugby demands such as player development and competitive balance in the . Under head coach Graham Hogg, appointed for 2024-25, these changes aim to maintain Hawick's traditions while addressing contemporary challenges like funding and youth pathways.

References

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