Why is Scotland vs England called the Calcutta Cup in Six Nations and who currently holds it?
ENGLAND vs Scotland is one of the most anticipated matches on the rugby union calendar – and the two huge rivals will do battle again today
More than just pride at stake between the Auld Enemies, who have faced each other 129 times since their first meeting in March 1879.
What is the Calcutta Cup?
The Calcutta Cup is a trophy competed for by between England and Scotland.
The cup is up for grabs when the two rugby union sides meet annually at the Six Nations.
Why is England vs Scotland called the Calcutta Cup?
The Calcutta Cup is named after the defunct Calcutta RFC, founded in India in 1873 after a relatively successful Christmas Day rugby fixture between 20 English and 20 Scottish players.
Legend has it that when the club was disbanded in 1878 its members decided to melt down the remaining rupees in the coffers to make a trophy, which was gifted to the RFU.
The design of the trophy has three king cobras as the handles, whilst on the lid there is an elephant.
How old is the Calcutta Cup?
The Calcutta Cup was first competed for in 1879, at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh.
It ended in a draw, but the following year England were the first team to get their hands on the trophy.
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Who currently holds the Calcutta Cup?
Scotland are the current holders of the Calcutta Cup.
They have won the trophy for the last three years and four out of the last six.
England last won the trophy in 2020, following a stunning 38-38 draw in 2019.
Before Scotland’s 2018 win, England had won seven consecutive matches.
How many times have England and Scotland won the Calcutta Cup?
England have won the the cup the most times, on 71 occasions.
Scotland have won the crunch match 43 times, with the other 16 encounters ending in a draw.
Jonny Wilkinson holds the record for scoring the most points in a Calcutta Cup game, scoring 27 points in 2007.
The next fixture between England and Scotland takes place on February 24.