What is the Calcutta Cup and have England or Scotland won it the most?

The Six Nations continues this weekend with one of the most iconic games in world rugby as England take on Scotland for the Calcutta Cup. Following their last-gasp win over France, England have emerged as surprise title contenders but having already lost to favourite’s Ireland, Steve Borthwick’s side must be faultless from now on.

The clash against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday evening could well determine the outcome of the Six Nations but that’s not the only thing at stake, with the famous Calcutta Cup on the line. But what exactly is the Calcutta Cup and why do England and Scotland compete for the trophy?.

It all started on Christmas Day in 1872 when 20 Englishman and 20 Scotsman played a game of rugby union in Calcutta, British India. A month later, the Calcutta Rugby Football Club was founded by expats, former students of Rugby School and soldiers from the Royal East Kent Regiment, and the team officially joined the Rugby Football Union (RFU) in 1874.

But by 1878, the club’s declining membership decided to withdraw their club funds, which totalled 270 Indian rupees. The coins were melted down to form a trophy which was presented to the RFU as the ‘best means of doing some lasting good for the cause of Rugby Football’.

The Calcutta Club initially wanted the trophy to serve as the rugby version of the FA Cup, but instead the RFU elected to play a match between England and Scotland every year, with the winning team awarded the cup. The original trophy was handmade by Indian craftsman, although replica versions have since been made by modern technology.

The handles are designed in the shape of king cobras, whilst an elephant is perched on top of the lid. The first Calcutta Cup game, held in Edinburgh in 1879, ended in a draw, with England beating Scotland in Manchester the following year to become the first side to win the trophy.

To date, 131 editions of the Calcutta Cup have taken place – one every year expect for during the two World Wars. England are the more successful side having won the trophy 71 times to Scotland’s 44, while the match has finished as a draw on 16 occasions.

Recent history favours the Scots however who are looking to win a fifth-consecutive Calcutta Cup match and their sixth in eight meetings on Saturday. The Red Roses last triumphed in 2020 at Murrayfield but you’d have to go back to 2017 for their latest victory at home at Twickenham.

Wales – 14/1. Draw – 50/1. Ireland – 1/50. England – 2/7. Draw – 25/1. Scotland – 11/4. Italy – 15/2. Draw – 40/1. France – 1/14. Odds courtesy of William Hill. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share your views in the comments below.

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