On Saturday 22 March, 350 current and former players of Aberdeen University Rugby Football Club (AURFC) gathered at The Marcliffe to celebrate the Club’s 150th anniversary. Attendees spanned generations, from members of the 1960s team to the current student team, and marked the occasion with stories, laughter, and heartfelt reunions.
The Club was founded in 1870 but the planned 150-year celebrations in 2020 had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. But five years on, the long-awaited occasion provided the opportunity to celebrate the Club’s illustrious history.
Among the distinguished guests was Mal Reid, former coach and PE staff member, whose leadership propelled AURFC to multiple Scottish Universities Championships. Also in attendance were retired P&J sports correspondent Peter Mitchell, who covered many of the Club’s matches over the years, and guest speaker Roger Baird, ex-Scotland and British Lions rugby player.
Alumni travelled from as far as Victoria Island, Canada, as well as London and various parts of Scotland to attend the event. Many tables reunited lifelong friends after 50 years, with name badges and dates helping bridge the gap between the past and present.
Reflections on AURFC’s Golden Era
Players from AURFC’s highly successful 1968–1985 era shared cherished memories in a booklet published for the event with life-long friendships, the Kirkgate Bar, French tours, triumphs on the field, and mischievous antics off it standing out. One name stood out amongst them: Mal Reid, whose unmatched coaching secured the Club’s dominance.
For many decades, King’s was the Club’s established rugby ground but in 1972, play shifted to the new fields and clubhouse at Balgownie, an exposed location that lacked the familiar atmosphere of King’s. In recent years, AURFC has welcomed a return to King’s, rekindling the spirit of rugby where it all began.
AURFC has a rich history of international friendships. A tradition, dating back to this era, was started when Dave Robertson and a fellow French student initiated annual tours to France, fostering long-standing connections with international clubs.
Other standout moments from the era included:
- A cold hose in a farm byre serving as showers
- Non-stop singing on the bus from Edinburgh to Aberdeen
- 10 AURFC players contributing to a Scottish Universities victory over England
- Returning a ‘borrowed’ keg of beer to a Laurencekirk pub
- Returning a ‘borrowed’ fire engine in France
- Promotion to Division 3 in the 1980-81 season
The Legendary Social Scene
Off the field, AURFC’s legacy includes legendary post-match celebrations. The Kirkgate Bar, nestled close to Marischal College, and the Student Union were hubs for memorable nights filled with singing and camaraderie. In more recent times, The Red Lion located near campus, has become a go-to gathering place.
A Look Back at 150 Years
A special historical booklet was also produced, compiling records from Athletic Alma archives dating back to 1935 with highlights including:
- A historic 1930s victory over Glasgow University
- A spirited return in 1947-48, rebuilding after WWII
- Resilience through the 1950s, culminating in a successful 1958-59 season
- Mal Reid’s transformative coaching in the late 1960s
- Scottish Universities Championship dominance in the 1970s
- National League promotion in the 1980s
- International tours in the 1990s, spanning Kenya, Bermuda, Canada, and the US
A Tribute to AURFC’s Enduring Legacy
Iain Clark, a 1970s-era player, summed up the sentiment of the celebrations: "We had a fantastic weekend seeing the current team play at King’s and keeping the spirit and traditions of AURFC alive. The wonderful camaraderie of AURFC over the past 150 years has made us all proud to be part of something truly special."
Current Club President Alex Fraser, reflected: "It was incredible to see everyone come together to celebrate 150 years of AURFC and reminisce about friendships and old memories."
The anniversary dinner was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the lasting friendships, dedication, and legacy of AURFC, proving that even after 150 years, the Club remains a formidable force in Scottish university rugby and a cherished part of its members’ lives.
