Calcutta Cup – What you need to know
If you love rugby, the Calcutta Cup is a name you’ll hear a lot. It’s the trophy for the longest running rivalry in the sport – England versus Scotland. Every year the two teams meet in the Six Nations and the winner takes the cup home.
What is the Calcutta Cup?
The cup dates back to 1878 when a group of British expats in India melted down old Indian rupee coins to make a silver trophy. They sent it back to Britain to be contested between the two home‑nation sides.
Since then, the match has become a centerpiece of the Six Nations schedule. The game is usually played in early March, alternating between Twickenham in London and Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
Fans love the fierce rivalry because it’s more than just points – it’s pride, history and a lot of banter. England and Scotland have faced each other over 130 times, with each side having periods of dominance.
Recent Calcutta Cup moments
Last year’s clash ended in a thrilling 21‑19 win for England, thanks to a late drop goal that sealed the trophy. The match featured a hat‑trick of tries from England’s wing and a spectacular tackle by Scotland’s lock that went viral.
In 2023, Scotland turned the tables with a 27‑24 victory at Murrayfield. Their captain lifted the cup after a gritty defensive display that forced England into a series of handling errors.
Both teams use the game to test new players ahead of the rest of the Six Nations. If you’re looking to spot a future star, the Calcutta Cup is a good place to start.
Want to watch live? The game is broadcast on major sports channels in the UK and Ireland, and you can stream it through most online sports packages. Check your provider’s schedule a few days before the match to avoid missing the kickoff.
If you’re planning to attend, tickets usually go on sale as soon as the fixture is announced. Prices vary by seat and venue – a stand‑by ticket at Murrayfield can be cheaper than a premium seat at Twickenham.
Pro tip: arrive early to soak up the pre‑match atmosphere. Fans gather in the pubs and around the stadium, singing traditional songs and sharing stories of past matches.
For newcomers, it helps to learn the basic rules of rugby union – how a try works, the difference between a conversion and a penalty, and why a drop goal can be a game‑changer. A quick YouTube guide can get you up to speed in minutes.
After the match, the winning side gets a chance to celebrate on the pitch and raise the cup. The losing team usually looks ahead to their next fixture, hoping to bounce back quickly.
Social media buzzes with memes, highlight reels and fan reactions. If you follow the official Six Nations accounts, you’ll get real‑time updates, player interviews and behind‑the‑scenes footage.
Looking ahead, the next Calcutta Cup is scheduled for March 2026. Both teams are already planning their squads, and the rivalry promises another unforgettable contest.
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or a casual viewer, the Calcutta Cup offers a blend of history, drama and pure rugby excitement. Keep an eye on the news, grab a ticket or tune in online, and enjoy one of the sport’s greatest traditions.
In a tense Six Nations encounter at Twickenham, England broke their losing streak against Scotland with a 16-15 victory. Scotland started strong with tries from Ben White and Huw Jones, but England's resilience, highlighted by Tommy Freeman's try and Fin Smith's penalties, secured the win. Scotland's missed conversions were critical, allowing England to claim their first Calcutta Cup win since 2017.
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The 2025 Six Nations match between England and Scotland promises a thrilling encounter on February 22 at Twickenham. Stream it live on platforms like ITV1 in the UK and Peacock in the US as Scotland seeks a fifth consecutive victory with the help of star players such as Duhan van der Merwe, while England looks to reverse its recent fortunes.
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