This weekend Scotland host England in the oldest international rugby fixture in the world. The Calcutta Cup has been in Scottish hands for three years thanks to matches in the Six Nations, but when did it start, how did it get its name and who owns it?
History of the Calcutta Cup
According to the Rugby Football Union website, the Calcutta cup was crafted in Kolkata, India, by Indian Silversmiths. It’s shape and design pays homage to the history between Britain and India.
“The Calcutta Football Club was founded in 1872 and became affiliated with the RFU two years later,” the RFU says. “The mainstay of the club were the Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment) 1st Battalion who were stationed in Bengal through most of the 1870s. When the Buffs began to move out the club lost momentum and decided to disband in 1877.
“A letter was then sent to the RFU by Mr G A James Rothney informing of the club’s intention ‘of doing some lasting good, for the cause of Rugby Football’ with the remaining fun
…. to be continued
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