A Brief History
Belfast High School Former Pupils is a proud and distinguished Rugby
Football Club which has been in existence for some 46 years. First formed in
1957 the club initially played and trained wherever a pitch could be begged or
borrowed often using an old cow field at the rear of Ardilea, the site presently
occupied by Belfast High School. This arrangement was formalised in 1962 when
the then Headmaster of the school allowed the Former Pupils the use of a pitch
in the School Grounds.
Over the subsequent years the club, like many Ulster Clubs, has seen its
fortunes rise and fall and on more than one occasion it has been on the verge of
collapse. Thankfully through the efforts both on and off the field of many
associates of the club this has been avoided.
The main highlight of the clubs early days was its success in winning the
McCrea Cup in 1969 by defeating Grosvenor. This was followed by a resurgence in
the numbers and teams playing for BHSFP with regular league promotions following
in the seasons thereafter. A further visit to Ravenhill followed in 1972, again
in the McCrea Cup final but unfortunately the club came out second best to a
useful Kings Scholars outfit who are sadly no longer in existence. Following
continued good fortune at playing level including League Winners of Ulster
Junior League Section 5 in the season 1973/74 the club went into a period of
decline. In 1979 the club once again faced the prospect of disbandment but
managed to continue fielding one team following a decision to continue keeping
the High School name alive in Ulster Rugby circles.
As often happens in such situations through sheer hard work and
commitment the club once again grew in playing numbers and success followed. In
the first season back in rugby the 2nd XV gained promotion, and in
fact repeated this achievement six out of the following seven seasons! The 3rd
XV reentered the league in 1982/83 coinciding with the clubs silver
anniversary.
The most significant event in the clubs history occurred in this
anniversary season when it became an associate section within GWMSC (
Greenisland War Memorial Sports and Social Club ). This decision enabled the
club to establish itself in a much needed permanent base with playing and social
facilities. As anticipated this move resulted in continued growth in playing
numbers and success in League Title wins, a Harden Cup win in 1989, and a
further visit to Ravenhill in the 1991 McCrea Cup Final which was unfortunately
lost to the RUC in a thrilling 9-6 encounter.
Developments at the GWMSC grounds saw the inauguration of new rugby
facilities at Greenisland . This event was celebrated in April 1991 with a match
between a BHSFP XV and an International XV. Needless to say although the
International XV easily won the encounter it was played in fine spirit and was a
night to be remembered by all who attended. The Club has continued with its base
at GWMSC utilizing the playing facilities ( when available ) but playing most of
its matches as it always has done at the School grounds. The club is indebted to
Belfast High School for the use of this facility which has, more than any other,
allowed the Former Pupils Rugby Club to continue in existence.
This brings us right up to date to what it is believed will be a further
period of resurgence in the history of the club. At present there are 2 teams
entered in the Ulster leagues. The 1st XV are currently in Qualifying
League Section 4 with the 2nd XV in Minor East 1. Strident efforts by
club officials have resulted in increasing numbers of younger players being
attracted to the club, particularly those from Belfast High School our
historical playing base. This combined with a strong “older” playing base
and the prospect of further ground developments at GWMSC gives us great cause
for optimism in the future.
All individuals with an interest in playing or watching Rugby are most
welcome at BHSFP. Our aim is to provide players with an opportunity to play
rugby at a high level, gain success but most of all enjoy the experience. (
details of contact names etc are available elsewhere on this Website ). You can
be assured of a warm welcome at BHSFP as a Player or Alikadoo where the craic is
always mighty!
