The Calcutta Cup: England vs Scotland in the Six Nations

England vs Scotland is the match we get asked about most in the context of the Six Nations. Not because it's always the title decider — it often isn't — but because it carries something the other fixtures don't have in quite the same way. The Calcutta Cup is the oldest international rugby trophy still being contested, and both sets of supporters are very aware of that when they turn up.

Where the Trophy Came From

The story starts in India, not in Britain. The Calcutta Rugby Football Club was founded in 1872 by British expats living in the city of Calcutta. By 1878, dwindling membership meant the club had to dissolve. Rather than distributing the remaining funds among departing members, they decided to do something more permanent with it. They withdrew the club's balance from the bank in silver rupees, melted them down, and had a trophy commissioned from the metal.

The result stands over 45 centimetres tall, with three cobra handles and an elephant on the lid — Indian craftsmanship throughout. The club donated it to the Rugby Football Union to be contested annually between England and Scotland. The first Calcutta Cup match was played on 10 March 1879 at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh. Scotland won.

The trophy has had some adventures since then. In 1988, England's Dean Richards and Scotland's John Jeffrey were found with it in Edinburgh after Scotland's Grand Slam win — the cup had been taken out for what was diplomatically described as a celebratory evening and returned with new dents. Both players received suspensions. The cup, visibly worn from 140-plus years of existence, is still the actual trophy handed over after each match.

England vs Scotland: A Long Record

England and Scotland were the first two nations to play international rugby — Raeburn Place, 27 March 1871, before the Calcutta Cup even existed. Scotland won that one too. The record since then is long and genuinely mixed. Form doesn't transfer predictably to this fixture, which is part of why it draws the support it does.

Some moments stand out. Scotland's 18–12 win at Twickenham in 2018 — their first there in 38 years — was one of the results of that Six Nations. England's 80–23 in 2001 still gets mentioned. The 38–38 draw at Twickenham in 2019 meant the trophy was shared for only the second time in its history. These aren't the kinds of results that get forgotten.

The Venues

The fixture alternates between Twickenham and Murrayfield on the standard Six Nations rotation.

Twickenham holds 82,000. England home days have their own rhythm — the surrounding streets fill up from mid-morning and the ground builds progressively louder through the first half. For the Calcutta Cup specifically, the Scottish support travelling south adds a different edge to a normal England home day.

Murrayfield holds 67,000. Edinburgh on a Six Nations weekend is worth experiencing regardless of the result — the city centre, Princes Street, the Grassmarket, all of it comes alive. The stadium, when it's full for a match of this weight, is as loud as anywhere we send customers.

In 2027, the Calcutta Cup is at Twickenham — England are home. Tickets for England vs Scotland at Twickenham are among the fastest-selling in the Six Nations 2027 programme.

Getting Tickets

Both the RFU and SRU prioritise their own members for Calcutta Cup allocation. What reaches the general market is a fraction of the capacity, and for a match with this profile that means it goes quickly. We've had customers miss out by leaving it a few days too long.

Rugby Box Office has tickets for England vs Scotland at Twickenham as part of the Six Nations 2027, with our RBO Guarantee on all eligible bookings.

What to Expect on the Day

Supporters from both nations mix reasonably well at this fixture — the cross-border banter is part of the occasion and tends to stay good-natured. At Twickenham in 2027, the Scottish support travelling south will make themselves heard. Plan for a full day — the area around Twickenham is set up for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Calcutta Cup?

The trophy contested between England and Scotland in the Six Nations. First awarded in 1879, crafted from melted silver rupees by the dissolving Calcutta Rugby Football Club. The oldest international rugby trophy still in use.

When was the first Calcutta Cup match?

10 March 1879, at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh. Scotland won.

Where is the 2027 Calcutta Cup?

Twickenham, London. England are home in 2027 as part of the Six Nations rotation.

How do I buy Calcutta Cup tickets?

Through Rugby Box Office. We have tickets for England vs Scotland at Twickenham as part of Six Nations 2027, with the RBO Guarantee on all eligible bookings.

Why is the Calcutta Cup trophy unusual?

It was made from silver rupees — the melted-down bank balance of the Calcutta RFC when the club dissolved in 1878. Over 45cm tall with cobra handles and an elephant on the lid. Visibly aged from 140-plus years of handling.

Is the Calcutta Cup only played in the Six Nations?

Yes. Awarded exclusively as part of the Six Nations, to the winner of the England vs Scotland match each year.