In 2019, Dundee HSFP and Morgan met to discuss how they could work together to improve rugby in the city. This resulted in plans being drawn up to initially work together, but to eventually come together to form a new club to be named Dundee Rugby, starting in season 2021-22.

These two clubs have been in existence for well over one hundred years and, along with others, have shaped rugby in the city of Dundee. They have enjoyed periods of undoubted success and have produced many players of quality, including both age grade and full internationalists. Both clubs are extremely proud of their heritage, and it has been a tough decision to go down this new route, however, it is time to look forward and to form a new club, whose aim is to drive rugby forward in the Tayside area and to realise the undoubted potential around the fourth largest city in Scotland.

The Vision of the new group is to pull all the strands associated with the club, together as one entity. As well as the senior men this includes the recently revived Woman’s section, the Youth section, which has operated as Dundee Rugby Juniors in recent years, and finally the Eagles. The Eagles cover P1 – P7 age groups and are a thriving part of the group.

In addition, bringing together all the sections and teams into one body that operates in an integrated way brings about more efficient and effective ways of working. We can eliminate duplication across sections, utilise technology, share expertise, create better pathways, and more.

If we all pull together and create a ‘one club’ ethos, then we will have in the region of 500 players and over 100 volunteers currently, plus the parents of the younger age groups. This is clearly an exciting opportunity to build something special. Once the merger is complete, governance embedded, numbers growing and success on the field we will be in a position of strength to partner with sponsors, secure funding, build the facilities we want and need, and grow a thriving community.

We appreciate that everything above can not be solved or achieved on day one. However, we are pleased with the progress we have all made in a short time and optimistic we can deliver our vision for the club in the years to come.

Derek Black
President
Dundee Rugby Club