Why is England vs Scotland called the Calcutta Cup? Six Nations match explained

04 February 2023 , 07:30

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Scotland are the current holders of the Calcutta Cup (Image: PA)

Steve Borthwick will begin his reign as England head coach with a clash against Scotland in this year's Six Nations.

Borthwick took charge of England in December after previous head coach Eddie Jones was sacked following a disappointing 2022, which saw England win just five of their 12 Tests.

England have a poor recent record against Scotland, having won just one of their last five games against, with Scotland regaining the Calcutta Cup with an 11-6 win in the 2021 Six Nations and then successfully retaining it with a 20-17 win in last year's Six Nations.

Borthwick will be hoping his side can win the iconic trophy for the 83rd time, with the two sides first competing for it back in 1879. The trophy was crafted in Indian city Calcutta after being commission by the Calcutta (Rugby) Football Club.

The club was established in 1872 and became affiliated with the RFU in 1874. Soldiers from the Royal East Kent regiment made up the majority of the club, but after they were moved from Bengal interest in rugby in the region diminished.

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As a result, the club disbanded in 1877 and sent a letter to the RFU proposing that they used the last of their funds to produce a 'Challenge Cup'. The RFU agreed and the trophy was made by Indian silversmiths, who melted down the club's last 270 silver rupees.

Steve Borthwick lifted the Calcutta Cup as a player and is now hoping to kick off his reign as England coach by winning the trophy (Paul Gilham/Getty Images)

It was decided the trophy would then be given to the winner of an annual England vs Scotland clash, with the first match ending in a tie. England became the first outright winners in 1880 when captain Len Stokes led them to victory, while Scotland lifted the trophy for the first time in 1882.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Borthwick said: "Scotland beat Argentina by a lot, against New Zealand they were unlucky not to win, and they were a kick away from beating Australia, so that team is on the verge of beating three southern hemisphere sides.

"They will be disappointed to not have won those games, so will come to Twickenham - which has been a pretty happy hunting ground for them - full of confidence with a settled team, playing the way they want to and looking to take their shot.

"Players need clarity in how we are going to play, they need to have the courage to then play to their strengths, and they need to fight in every single contest. We need to go onto the field against a Scotland side with a lot of confidence, and we're going to have to fight."

Matthew Cooper