University of Stirling and Stirling County RFC confirm extended partnership

The University of Stirling has announced an enhanced partnership with Stirling County RFC in support of the city’s new Super 6 rugby franchise.

The Super 6 is a new and separate tournament within Scottish Rugby’s competition structure. It will be played by part-time professional players and will become the top tier of domestic rugby in Scotland, with the aim of increasing playing standards, by better-developing Scottish players, coaches and match officials, to feed talent into the full-time professional game.

The partnership between the University and rugby club, formed through Scottish Rugby’s bidding process, builds on the excellent working relationships which already exist. With a professional approach driving the anticipated outcomes, both parties will enjoy a number of mutual benefits including facility-use, specialist knowledge sharing, volunteering, supporter experience, as well as other resources.

Commenting on the arrangement, Cathy Gallagher, University of Stirling Executive Director of Sport, who sits on the Stirling County Super 6 Board, said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for the University, placing us at the top table of an ambitious new venture in Scottish sport.

“The partnership has so much room to grow and we look forward to working with Stirling County to unlock the franchise’s potential and take the sport of rugby to a new level in the Caledonia region, as well as adding to the sporting prowess and aspirations of the city of Stirling.”

Stirling County’s ambitions will be masterminded by one of the country’s leading young coaches, and former Scotland international, Ben Cairns, and the club’s President, Lorne Boswell, believes the franchise has a bright future. He said: “The Super 6 competition is going to give rugby a new semi-professional status which is a fantastic opportunity for young players with professional ambitions as well as sports fans looking for a high-quality product.

“We’re really excited about the partnership with the University and the impact it will have on the franchise fulfilling its potential.”

Super 6 teams will play 20 competitive matches each season made up of 10 Super 6 fixtures, played home and away, two Super 6 play-off fixtures and eight cross-border matches.

The opening matches of Super 6 will be played on the weekend of 9 November 2019 with games over the course of the tournament being scheduled for either Friday nights or Saturdays, based on the preference of the home team.