ASK SCOTTISH RUGBY ABOUT SCOTTISH RUGBY RULES & REGULATIONS SAFEGUARDING BUY TICKETS MENU HOME ABOUT SCOTTISH RUGBY HISTORY Scottish Rugby is the governing body of rugby union in Scotland. We have a rich history. FOUNDED IN 1873… The Scottish Football Union was founded in 1873, ahead of a change to fifteen-a-side (from twenty-a-side) in 1877, the formation of the International Rugby Football Board in 1886 and the instigation of a points scoring system for rugby in 1889. In 1924 the SFU changed its name to become the Scottish Rugby Union. The beginnings of international rugby football... The very first rugby international match was played at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, on Monday, 27 March 1871, on the cricket field of The Edinburgh Academy. The first nine international matches in Scotland were all played on established cricket fields. A temporary stand was erected at Raeburn place at a cost of £45. A home for Scottish Rugby… In 1897, the Scottish Football Union, as it was then called, bought land at Inverleith. This was the home of rugby in Scotland until the first Murrayfield Stadium was built in 1925, on ground bought from the Edinburgh Polo Club. The Calcutta Cup… The Calcutta Cup is an ornate silver trophy in memory of the Calcutta Football Club, which closed down just four years after it was formed. Scotland and England compete for the cup each year. The first Calcutta Cup match was played at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh, on 10 March 1879 and ended in a draw - Scotland scored a drop goal and England a goal. Scotland and England have contested the Calcutta Cup every year since then, except during the two World Wars. NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP Sign-up for our newsletter today to receive the latest updates, content and releases from Scottish Rugby. SIGN-UP PRINCIPAL PARTNERS JOIN THE CONVERSATION PRIVACY & COOKIES POLICY TERMS & CONDITIONS EQUALITY COMMITMENT MODERN SLAVERY GENDER PAY GAP REPORTING ACCESSIBILITY © Copyright Scottish Rugby Union Limited 2021. We use cookies to enhance your online browsing experience. By continuing to use this site, you agree to accept our use of cookies Cookie Settings