The Old Gala Club Explore 150 years of Gala Rugby

Celebrate 150 years of passion, pride, and play in Gala Rugby: A Sporting Legacy. This exhibition brings to life the rich and vibrant history of rugby in Galashiels and the wider Scottish Borders, tracing a sporting tradition that has shaped the town for a century and a half.

While this year marks the 150th anniversary of Gala Rugby Club, the story stretches far beyond a single team. Rugby has long been woven into the fabric of the community, played by generations across local pitches, embraced by multiple town teams, and enjoyed by players and spectators alike. From the early days on makeshift playing fields to the fast-paced excitement of seven-a-side matches, this is a story of evolving play, enduring rivalries, and shared community spirit.

Through a range of engaging displays and storytelling, the exhibition showcases rare and fascinating items from both the Old Gala Club and Gala Rugby Football Club, offering a unique window into the people, matches, and moments that defined an era.

Step into the history, feel the atmosphere of the terraces, and discover how rugby became more than just a game, it became part of Galashiels’ identity.

The photograph shows the Galashiels International Sextet, all members of the team that famously defeated England twice in a week in 1971, marking a proud moment in the town’s rugby history. Coloured photo courtesy of Stuart Cameron digital photograph restoration.