HISTORY OF ANNAN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB

1879-1968
There were several attempts to set up a rugby club in Annan but all attempts eventually failed.
1968-1979
In 1968, 4 men (probably wearing nice purple 24 inch flares) and "cool" orange shirts) were drinking in an Annan pub and decided that Annan needed a rugby club. These four God-like creatures, known in Annan as the "founding members of the greatest club in SW Scotland"...or Annan RFC, were: Scott Little Dave Purdon Jack Thomson Donald "Titch" Watson and in 1969, Annan RFC was formally established. A pitch was obtained (at Newington) and the colours chosen were Amber with a black horizontal stripe. Over the next 10 years, the club gathered strength and a 2nd and 3rd XV were established.
1979-1990
In 1979, in search of "competitive" rugby, Annan applied to the Border District League. The teams in this Border League were the junior teams of: Hawick, Gala, Selkirk, Jed-Forest, Kelso, Melrose, Langholm The standard of this league was (and still is) very high but promotion to the National Leagues was impossible in this league. Annan had some success in this league (but never winning it) and many players were awarded South District Union caps. In 1979, Annan decided to purchase an old Church hall in Bank Street for conversion into a club house. In 1980, the Clubhouse officially opened.
1990-1995
In 1990, mainly due to the inability to get into the National Leagues, several Annan players moved away to play for division 3 and higher clubs. Thus, although the standard of rugby in the Border League was very high, it was decided to seek entry into the National Leagues. The Glasgow District League was seen as a "stepping stone" to the National Leagues. However a drop in standard of the opposition over the next few years was expected. Annan's application was accepted and over the next 4 years, Annan were: Champions - Glasgow Division 2 (1991-1992) Champions - Glasgow Division 1 (1992-1993) Champions - National League Division 7 (1993-1994) Champions - National League Division 6 (1994-1995) In 1994 Annan had their first Overseas Tour to Canada which was deemed a great success.
1995-1998
In 1995, the SRU decided that the Leagues should be restructured, and the 7 National Divisions of 14 teams were split into 4 Premier Leagues of 8 teams and 7 National Leagues of 10 teams. Annan were put into National League Division 4 for the season 1995-1996. During the 4 years of continued success, plenty of representative honours were obtained and many of the players that had left Annan returned. Champions - National League Division 4 (1995-1996) Champions - National League Division 3 (1996-1997) Champions - National League Division 2 (1997-1998) Annan toured Texas in 1997. Annan completed their tour winning four out of their 5 tour matches. There only defeat being against the Texas State XV
1999-2002
In 1999 Annan opened their new ground just outside Annan at Violetbank. A full report of this great day can be found here. Violetbank has 2 full-size rugby pitches, a club house, fitness rooms and will eventually have indoor training facilities and a covered stand. Annan competed in National League Division 1 for a couple of years.
2003-PRESENT
Annan had their most succesful season to date in season 2002-2003 gaining promotion to Premier 3 and winning the BT Bowl at Murrayfield. Unfortunately Annan's Premier League journey was short lived when, despite a late rally in the season, they were relegated for the first time in the club's history. For the past few season Annan have played in National League Division 1 but unfortunately they now play in National League Division 2