Kirkcaldy and other like-minded clubs had a major role in the setting up of the national league system, which started in 1973. After a hundred years and more of organised Scottish rugby, a club's status would be determined on the field, rather than by its off-field connections.

Kirkcaldy were placed initially in the fourth of five national divisions. More often than not the side finished in the lower half of this division, some times being accused of lacking ambition. However in 1978-79 in the sixth year of the leagues a talented group of players came together and with nine wins from eleven games won second place in the table and promotion to the third division.