Calcutta Cup History: What is the Calcutta Cup?

The Calcutta Cup is one of the rivalry trophies claimed during the Six Nations. It’s also the oldest trophy in international rugby. Each year, England and Scotland compete to win this historic rugby trophy. But, do you know which team has claimed the most Calcutta Cup wins? 

Here’s everything you need to know about this Six Nations trophy, including the history of the Calcutta Cup and a rundown of all the results.

What is the Calcutta Cup?

The Calcutta Cup is awarded at the annual Six Nations. It’s the oldest trophy in the tournament – it actually predates the Championship – and it’s presented to the winner of the annual England-Scotland Six Nations match.

Not to be confused with the cricket and golf trophies of the same name, the rugby Calcutta Cup has been contested since 1879!

When was the first Calcutta Cup awarded?

The first Calcutta Cup match in 1879 ended in a draw! As a result, the trophy was first awarded on 28 February 1880. England defeated Scotland 2G-1G at Whalley Range in Manchester.

Interestingly, the plinth of the Calcutta Cup displays the incorrect date. It was engraved with the year 1871, the date that the first rugby international was played – also between England and Scotland. However, England and Scotland didn’t play for the trophy until 1879.

What is the history of the Calcutta Cup?

Although the trophy is intrinsically linked with the Six Nations, Calcutta Cup history predates the Championship by four years. In fact, the first Home Nations Championship was held in 1883, four years after England and Scotland competed in the first Calcutta Cup match. 

Since then, Calcutta Cup matches have been held almost every year. The only exceptions were 1885 and 1888-89, as well as during World War I and World War II (the Championship was postponed from 1915-1919 and 1940-1946).

As the oldest international rugby trophy, the Calcutta Cup predates many of the sport’s most prestigious prizes. This includes the Bledisloe Cup, which has been contested by Australia and New Zealand since 1932. 

Why is it called the Calcutta Cup?

The Calcutta Cup gets its name from the Calcutta Rugby Football Club in India. According to rugby legend, Calcutta Cup history dates back to 1872, when a twenty-a-side rugby football match was held on Christmas Day in Calcutta, British India. One team represented England while the other represented Scotland.

The following year, the Calcutta Rugby Football Club was formed. The following year, the club joined the Rugby Football Union (RFU). Then, in 1878, the original Calcutta Trophy was created. It was formed by melting down 270 Indian rupees, all of which were withdrawn from the club’s funds. 

Today’s trophy is a modern replica. It features a domed lid topped with an elephant, two snake-shaped handles and a wooden plinth inscribed with the words ‘The Calcutta Cup’.

Which team has claimed the most Calcutta Cups?

England are the most successful team in Calcutta Cup history. They’ve won or retained the cup 82 times between 1880 and 2023. Meanwhile, Scotland have either won or retained the trophy 47 times during the same period.

England’s greatest Calcutta Cup winning streak occurred between 1951 and 1963, when they won or retained the trophy 13 times in a row. In contrast, Scotland’s record stands at four successive wins, a feat they achieved between 1893 and 1896. 

In the modern Six Nations format, England went undefeated for nine years from 2009 to 2017. Conversely, Scotland won the trophy three times between 2021 and 2023.

Calcutta Cup winners list

Here are the Calcutta Cup wins/holds by year: