Scotland and England do battle once again in the opening round of the 2023 Guinness Six Nations.
But why is this clash referred to as the Calcutta Cup?
It actually refers to the trophy presented to the winner of matches between the two sides.
The trophy dates back to 1878, before any Home Nations tournament was up and running.
After the popular introduction of rugby in India, the Calcutta (Rugby) Football Club was formed in 1873 by former students from Rugby School, Mirror Online reports.
But following the departure of a local British army regiment, sports like cricket and tennis flourished instead, leading to the club disbanding in 1878. However, in an attempt to keep the memory of the club alive, members melted their remaining rupees into a trophy.
The first game was played in March 1879, and because England and Scotland were distinguished sides in world rugby at that time, the Calcutta Cup was given to the winner of the annual meeting from that date onwards.
When the Home Nations tournament was formed in 1883, it was suggested the Calcutta Cup should go to the winner of that competition, but this idea was dismissed due to the popularity of the clash.
