Everything you need to know about the 1872 Cup

Fiercely contested each year by Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby, there are just three weeks until Scotland’s oldest rugby rivalry takes centre stage once more.

Here’s everything you should know ahead of it kick-off at Hampden Park on Saturday 20 December…

Bring your squad to Hampden this December! 😃

With family packages available now, there’s no better time to secure your tickets for our massive 1872 Cup clash! https://t.co/VZWVEieQAa#WhateverItTakes ⚔️🛡️ pic.twitter.com/5BxpKOl7vv

— Glasgow Warriors (@GlasgowWarriors) December 2, 2025

When did the 1872 Cup start?

As the name might suggest, the world’s first inter-district rugby match took place 153 years ago when Glasgow District welcomed Edinburgh District to Burnbank on 23 November, 1872.

Known first as the Inter-City Derby, the fixture was initially played twice a season until 1876 and then annually thereafter.

In the 2007/08 season, the fixture was revived and rebranded by Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby as the 1872 Cup, marking the date of that first historic match and connecting the professional clubs to their amateur district origins.

What about the trophy?

The 1872 Cup trophy stands as a lasting symbol of Scotland’s oldest rugby rivalry, representing more than 150 years of competition, pride and sporting heritage between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby.

First introduced when the competition was revived in 2007/08, the trophy’s design pays tribute to the original Inter-City fixture played in 1872, connecting the professional sport we know today to the derby’s roots.

Each year, the names of the winning team are engraved on the base of the trophy, a permanent reminder of the passion, intensity and history that define this fixture.

How is the 1872 Cup decided?

Nowadays, the 1872 Cup is incorporated into the BKT United Rugby Championship schedule, with the winners of the trophy determined by the aggregate score of the two matches between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby over the festive period.

Who are the current holders?

Glasgow Warriors are the defending champions, having won the annual series each year since the 2022/23 season.

Franco Smith’s men put themselves in a commanding position in the opening match of last year’s contest, earning a 33-14 victory over the men from the east coast in front of a club-record crowd of 27,538 at Hampden Park – the first time a Glasgow Warriors match had been held at the home of Scottish football.

Whilst Edinburgh would take a 10-7 win the following week, it would not be enough to deny the Warriors a third successive 1872 Cup triumph.

What about this season?

It all kicks off on Saturday 20 December, when the 1872 Cup returns to Hampden Park once more – you can book your tickets today by clicking the link here!