The years spanning the turn of the 19th century proved to be highly successful with as many as six players selected for the Fife County side in 1898-99 and the North of Scotland Cup won three times in five years. Playing numbers reflected this progress and a second team was formed before the end of the century.

David Howie, who first played for the club in 1908, became the first Kirkcaldy player to represent Scotland when he was selected to play against France in 1912. Altogether he appeared in seven international matches in that and the following year. Tragically he died in Egypt in 1916 during World War 1. Howie was one of the hundred present and former of KRFC who enlisted in the colours. Eighteen of those were killed in action, many of whom had played in the last pre-war season. The club faced an uncertain future when rugby resumed in 1919.