James Wilson interviews Stu Allison
A landmark day for Watsonians Rugby as our 1XV captain reached 100 first-team caps in Saturday’s victory over Glasgow Hawks.
There are few milestones in rugby that carry quite the same significance as reaching 100 first-team appearances. For our 1XV captain, Saturday’s victory over Glasgow Hawks provided the perfect setting to reach the landmark – and celebrate it with a win.
He now joins fellow current player and vice-captain Murray Scott in reaching a century of 1XV appearances. He should be the first of several players to reach significant milestones this season, with many of our more experienced players closing in on both 50 and 100 caps.
Stu is leading an experienced group that continues to support and guide the exciting crop of young players coming through the club.
Since joining Watsonians in 2019, he has experienced significant change both on and off the pitch, witnessing the club’s journey from fighting to avoid relegation from National 1 to competing at the highest level of Scottish domestic rugby.
When asked to sum up what Watsonians means to him in just one word, his answer was simple: “Home.”
An absolute whirlwind
Looking back on his time at Myreside, he describes the journey as “an absolute whirlwind”, but one he has enjoyed every step of.
“I've watched the 1st XV grow from fighting relegation of National 1 to competing for the Scottish Premiership. Along the way I have shared the pitch with some incredible players and more importantly shared a beer or two with some great friends.”
For him, the memories extend well beyond what has happened on the pitch. The people he has met, the friendships formed and the experiences shared have become just as important as the rugby itself.
A huge privilege
Reaching 100 caps is a significant achievement for any player, but doing so for Watsonians carries an extra meaning.
“A great privilege to reach 100 caps for such a prestigious club and something I will never take for granted.”
His pride in representing the club is clear, with the milestone providing an opportunity to reflect on the commitment he has given to his teammates throughout his time in maroon and white.
“I love the idea of looking back in future years and knowing I gave my all for the players I share the pitch with.”
And there is a strong family connection behind his commitment to the club.
“Watsonians has been a huge part of my life since I joined back in 2019. My Grandad was a Watsonian so maroon and white definitely runs through my veins!”
Looking to the future
With 100 caps now secured, the focus naturally turns towards what comes next.
The obvious ambition is one shared by everyone connected with the 1XV: winning the Scottish Premiership. But for our captain, success at Watsonians is about much more than what happens on the scoreboard.
“The easy answer would be to say winning the Scottish Premiership, but I think the most important thing for me is promoting a great environment and culture throughout the club so all teams are competing at as high a level as possible.”
As he moves towards the latter stages of his playing career, his ambitions are increasingly focused on the legacy he can leave behind.
“As I'm getting towards the latter stages of my playing career, I'd like to leave the club in a positive place allowing future teams to succeed.”
That desire to build something that lasts perfectly reflects what reaching 100 caps represents: not simply the number of appearances, but the contribution made to the people and club around him.
And, despite reaching a century, there is clearly no intention of stopping just yet.
“Here's to 200.”
Congratulations to our 1XV captain on reaching 100 Watsonians 1XV caps.
