Why is Scotland vs England called the Calcutta Cup in Six Nations and who currently holds it?
ENGLAND take on Scotland in the Calcutta Cup to conclude the opening day of the Six Nations.
The two teams will line up on Saturday with a 4.45pm kick off, with more than just pride at stake against the Auld Enemy.
Scotland are the holders of the Calcutta Cup
What is the Calcutta Cup?
The Calcutta Cup is a trophy shared between England and Scotland.
The cup is up for grabs when the two rugby union sides meet at the Six Nations.
Why is England vs Scotland called the Calcutta Cup?
The Calcutta Cup is named after the defunct Calcutta RFC, founded in India in 1873 after a relatively successful Christmas Day rugby fixture between 20 English and 20 Scottish players.
Legend has it that when the club was disbanded in 1878 its members decided to melt down the remaining rupees in the coffers to make a trophy, which was gifted to the RFU.
The design of the trophy has three king cobras as the handles, whilst on the lid there is an elephant.
How old is the Calcutta Cup?
The Calcutta Cup was first competed for in 1879, at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh.
It ended in a draw, but the following year England were the first team to get their hands on the trophy.
England and Scotland compete for the Calcutta Cup at the Six NationsTimes Newspapers Ltd
Who currently holds the Calcutta Cup?
Scotland are the current holders of the Calcutta Cup.
The Scots have won their last two matches against England, including a 20-17 win at Murrayfield last year.
How many times have England and Scotland won the Calcutta Cup?
England have won the the cup the most times, on 76 occasions.
Scotland have won the crunch match 45 times, with the other 19 encounters ending in a draw.
Jonny Wilkinson holds the record for scoring the most points in a Calcutta Cup game, scoring 27 points in 2007.
Three king cobras act as handles on the elegant trophy
