Stirling County eye top flight return ahead of new campaign following Super Series collapse

It’s all systems go for Stirling County this weekend as the men’s first XV hope to follow in the footsteps of their women’s side and register an opening day win.

After the collapse of the Super Series – where the Stirling Wolves enjoyed a stellar record in their last two campaigns – there has been some turnover at Bridgehaugh ahead of County’s National One kick-off.

Wolves head coach Eddie Pollock has moved upstairs to a performance director role, with former Wolves fly-half Craig Jackson taking over the reins in the head coaching box.

Meanwhile, the job of captaincy on the field will fall to second-rower James Pow – who has been part of the Wolves squads – with support from vice-captains Mikey Heron and Glenn Bryce.

Pow said: “It is an honour to be captain at Stirling this year. We have a strong leadership group, alongside an exciting senior playing squad with a blend of youth and experience, that aims to get County back into the Premiership.

“Pre-season has been very exciting, mixing Super Series players back into club rugby. The whole group has been working hard to be the toughest and fittest team, led by our head of strength and conditioning.

“On the pitch, we want to play an exciting brand of rugby that brings a buzz back to Bridgehaugh. Jacko and the coaching team have made training and the off-pitch enjoyable, building and driving a great culture with high standards.”

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The ambition to get back to the top table of Scottish club rugby begins with a home fixture against Peebles at Bridgehaugh, with the National One competition featuring some decent names in the club game including Jed Forest, Boroughmuir and Gala.

As part of that preparation, County took on