Glasgow

History of Glasgow Warriors

The history of the Glasgow Rugby team can be traced back to 1872, when the Glasgow District side faced the Edinburgh District side in a competitive game for the first time. As an amateur side, the Glasgow District team was highly-distinguished. They won the Scottish Inter-District Championship 10 times between 1953 and 1996, including five wins in a row between 1971 and 1975. On several occasions, the team was also asked to play against international opponents. 

In 1996, the team evolved and became Glasgow Rugby, a fully-professional side. In the following years, the team underwent a number of rebrands and name changes. They merged with the Caledonia Reds in 1998 and became known as the Glasgow Caledonians before they returned to the Glasgow Rugby name in 2001. Following a final rebrand in 2005, they became the Glasgow Warriors.

In rugby's professional era, the Glasgow Warriors rugby union team have remained highly competitive. Since joining the Celtic League in 2001-02 (this went on to be known as the Pro12 and the Pro14 before ultimately becoming the United Rugby Championship), the Glasgow Warriors have won the competition twice (2015 and 2024). Added to this, they also reached the final of the EPCR Challenge Cup in 2023.

Notably, when the Glasgow Warriors rugby union team won the Pro12 title in 2014-15, they became the first Scottish team to win a major trophy in rugby union's professional era.

Due to the team's stature, a number of established international players have played for the Glasgow Warriors team, including several players who have gone on to receive call-ups for both Scotland and the British and Irish Lions. These include Finn Russell, Stuart Hogg and Mike Blair.

Think the Glasgow Warriors team can once again capture the United Rugby Championship crown? Follow their progress with RugbyPass.