The Calcutta Cup epitomises the fierce rivalry between England and Scotland, and holds a special place in rugby union lore. First contested in 1879, it is one of the oldest international rugby fixtures, steeped in tradition and dramatic narratives that span over a century.
When the BBC broadcast the Calcutta Cup match in 1938, it was notable for being the first ever live televised rugby international.
Origins and Craftsmanship
The story of the Calcutta Cup begins in the Indian city of Calcutta (now known as Kolkata), where a rugby club was formed by British expats in 1873. However, as members left and interest waned, the club disbanded a few years later. The remaining members decided to melt down their remaining silver rupees and create a trophy, which they gifted to the Rugby Football Union (RFU) of England with the stipulation that it be competed for annually. Thus, the intricate and uniquely beautiful Calcutta Cup was born: a silver trophy adorned with a serpent and cobras that hint at its exotic origins.
A Rivalry Is Born
The inaugural match for the Calcutta Cup took place in 1879, ending in a 0-0 draw. From those early days, the fixture grew in significance, symbolising not just a sporting contest but a cultural and historical rivalry. Each encounter is more than just a game: it is a battle for pride, honour, and the right to hold one of rugby's most storied pieces of silverware.
In terms of outright wins, England have 71 to Scotland’s 44, with 16 draws. While it may read that the men in white have prevailed the most in this rivalry, when it comes to recent history the Scots have a very impressive track record: five wins in the last five encounters, with only one loss to the ‘Auld Enemy’ since 2018. They truly have been the bête noire of the England team for the best part of a decade, and going into Scotland’s victory in 2024, England loosehead Joe Marler even admitted it was a “continued dominance”.
Memorable Moments
The Calcutta Cup has witnessed many unforgettable moments. For Scottish fans of a particular age, one of many stand-out matches came in 1990, dubbed "The Greatest Game”, where Scotland triumphed 13-7 at Murrayfield to win the Grand Slam. Legendary sports writer Hugh McIlvanney captured the essence of the decisive match – and the winnings fans’ emotions when it comes to the Calcutta Cup – when he wrote: "It is hard to exaggerate the exquisite, unforgettable pleasure the Scots took from leaving the ancient enemy dazed among the rubble of their delusions.”
In recent times, the 2019 match at Twickenham is notable. In an extraordinary game, Scotland fought back from 31-0 down to lead 38-31, only for England to score a late try to draw 38-38. It was the highest-scoring draw in international rugby history and typified the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the Calcutta Cup clashes.
English fans have more than their fair share of days to choose from too, of course. In 2017, before Scotland went on their breathtaking run of successes against them, England were rampant in demolishing the Scots 61-21, equalling their greatest winning margin against Gregor Townsend’s men. Jonathan Joseph scored a hat-trick of tries in what will count as one of the centre’s greatest games in an England shirt, signing off a near-decade of English dominance in the Calcutta Cup.
Modern-Day Significance
Today, the Calcutta Cup remains a highlight of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations, with each encounter adding a new chapter to its illustrious history. The passion and intensity of the fixture resonate with players and fans alike, ensuring that the legacy endures.
As rugby evolves, the Calcutta Cup stands as a testament to the sport's traditions and the deep-seated rivalries that make the Championship so captivating. Whether contested in the mud-soaked fields of yesteryear or the pristine pitches of the modern era, it embodies the spirit of rugby union in its purest form.
As with any great rivalry, the fixture has been known to take on a win-at-all-costs mentality. In the lead-up to that corner-turning Calcutta Cup match in 2018, England's players expressed their determination not to be fazed by any "dirty tricks" that may come their way in Edinburgh. Chris Robshaw, recalling his first experience as captain in 2012, noted how their team bus was delayed by bagpipers, suggesting it was a tactic designed to unsettle them.
Before their 2024 match, Joe Marler went so far as to describe the fixture as the most "spiteful," acknowledging Scotland's recent dominance and their boisterous celebration of victories which have left a lasting impression on the English squad. Channelling incidents like the tunnel fracas in 2018 and Scotland's vocal celebrations in the Twickenham changing room as motivation, England were still unable to reverse their fortunes in 2024, and will have to wait until February 2025 for the chance to reclaim the trophy they once held from 2009 to 2018. Can they do it?
Heroes of the Calcutta Cup
The main man in this fixture over the past has undoubtedly been winger Duhan van der Merwe, who in 2024 became Scotland’s men’s overall record try-scorer. Before achieving that feat in the summer Test against Uruguay, he was on his way with a hat-trick in the Calcutta Cup win, where he became the first Scotland player to score three tries in the Six Nations era (and the third overall, along with Jamie Noon in 2005 and the aforementioned Jonathan Joseph in 2017).
The 6’3” powerhouse has scored some iconic tries in the Calcutta Cup, not least the one that saw him claim Try of the Championship in the 2023 edition. Van der Merwe’s six tries in the Calcutta Cup is equal only to fellow winger Jason Robinson’s six. A Championship and World Cup-winning icon for England, Robinson scored a brace against the Scots on three occasions (in ’03. ’04 and ’07).
Exemplifying Scotland’s upper hand in these encounters of late is the fact that centre Huw Jones is only one try behind the pair, and 2025 could be the year he joins the illustrious duo – that is, if his teammate doesn’t get there first.
England v Scotland kicks off at 16:45 at the Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, on Saturday 22nd February 2025.
