Stirling County are delighted to announce the appointment of Bob McKillop as our new men’s 1XV head coach. Bob played in the back row for Stirling County during the nineties, and had a brief spell coaching the 1XV in the mid 2000s. He has a wealth of experience under his belt, including coaching the Edinburgh Inter District squad and the Scotland Club XV this season. With extensive accolades at all levels of the game, he has a proven track record of success and is sure to be an asset to the club.
“I’m hugely excited to be coming back to Stirling County, where I began my rugby journey as a 7-year old kid in the mini section. The club has a very talented squad, a highly experienced coaching team, and ambitious plans for future growth. Also the synergies with my role as head coach at the University of Stirling are significant as we continue to strengthen the partnership between the two and build a rugby strategy for Stirling as a city.” – Bob McKillop, Head Coach
“We are delighted to announce that Bob McKillop has agreed to become the new Head Coach of Stirling County RFC.
Over the years, Stirling County has been proud to develop a number of outstanding Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches who have gone on to achieve great success elsewhere. This appointment, however, represents something different. Instead of seeing our top coaching talent move on, Bob’s return to County strengthens and cements what we believe will be one of the strongest coaching groups in Scotland.
Bob’s appointment is perfectly aligned with our long-term vision for 2030; a vision that will see Stirling County, the wider Caledonia region, and Scottish rugby benefit from some of the best facilities, coaching, and player pathways in the country and across the UK.
Having spent significant time speaking with Bob, it is clear that we share the same ambition: to build the best club in Scotland. And when we say “club,” we mean every level — from minis through to seniors, and everything in between.
As a County man, Bob immediately understood what we are striving to achieve. His outlook closely matches our own, and that alignment is what makes this such an exciting moment for Stirling County, we look forward to the journey ahead.
Finally, I would like to put on record my and the clubs thanks to Craig Jackson for all his efforts over the last two years as Head Coach. He maintained the professionalism we have sought to embed into the club at the senior level and, after the demise of Super Series, stepped up to ensure the standards of the club did not fall. His attention to detail and understanding of the game will stand him in good stead as he takes on his new role within Scottish Rugby.” – Ryan Fletcher, Club President
“I am delighted to welcome Bob back to Stirling County for his second spell as Head Coach.
Bob brings an outstanding coaching pedigree, having led Heriot’s in the Premiership across many successful seasons, as well as earning international recognition through his work with Scotland Age Grade and at Club International level.
He takes charge of a very talented group of coaches and players, and I am confident that his experience and knowledge will help continue the development of the senior club as we strive to return to the Scottish Premiership.
As Bob arrives, I would also like to thank Craig Jackson for his excellent work over the past two seasons and wish him every success in his new role with Scottish Rugby.” – Eddie Pollock, Performance Director
Bob will continue in his role with Stirling University as he takes on the SCRFC head coach job alongside it, working to strengthen the partnership between the two clubs.
