The Origins of the Calcutta Cup
The Calcutta Cup is one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies in rugby union, contested annually between England and Scotland as part of the Six Nations championship. But why is it called the Calcutta Cup?
The Story Behind the Name
The trophy gets its name from the city of Calcutta, which is now known as Kolkata, in India. The cup was originally commissioned in 1878 by the members of the Calcutta Club, a social and sporting club in Calcutta, to promote rugby in India.
A Gentleman’s Bet
Legend has it that the cup was funded by a bet made between members of the Calcutta Club, who decided to create a trophy to be presented to the winner of a rugby match between England and Scotland. The club initially wanted to create a trophy for a match between England and a combined team of Scotland and Ireland, but Ireland declined the invitation, leaving England and Scotland to compete for the prize.
The First Calcutta Cup Match
The first match for the Calcutta Cup took place on Christmas Day in 1879 at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh. Scotland emerged victorious, winning by a single try to nil. Since then, the Calcutta Cup has been played for annually, with England and Scotland battling it out for bragging rights and the coveted trophy.
Historic Rivalry
The rivalry between England and Scotland is one of the oldest and fiercest in rugby union, with matches between the two teams dating back to the 1870s. The Calcutta Cup is a symbol of that rivalry, steeped in history and tradition.
The Importance of the Calcutta Cup
For players and fans alike, winning the Calcutta Cup is a matter of great pride. The trophy represents not only victory on the field but also the spirit of competition and camaraderie that makes rugby union such a special sport.
