Rugby social club closes

AN iconic fixture of the Annan social scene has closed its doors.

Annan Rugby Club say they have made the ‘difficult decision’ to shut the social club on Bank Street following ‘ongoing challenges’ in the hospitality sector.

However, the club hope to make an announcement soon regarding developments at Violetbank.

A statement released last week by club chairperson Neil Moffat said: “2026 brings changes to the operation of Annan Rugby Club.

“Following the recent EGM, the difficult decision has been made to close the doors of our ‘Bank St’ clubhouse.

“A lot of us have many fond, and sometimes hazy, memories over the past 50+ years, with it once being the town’s Saturday night social hub.

“In recent years, ongoing challenges within the hospitality sector have led to financial pressures that are now placing considerable strain on the club’s rugby operations.

“This isn’t all doom and gloom, far from it. It’s the start of the next chapter in Annan Rugby Club’s history where all resources will now be focused on the clubhouse development, pitch side at Violetbank. More details on this will be released in due course.”