Rugby’s oldest rivalry hits Hampden Park for the first time this weekend.
Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby will go head-to-head for the 1872 Cup across the next fortnight, with the trophy that turns international teammates into rivals on the line. The contest is the oldest derby game in world rugby – dating back over 150 years, but the prospect of lifting silverware for triumphing was only introduced for the first time in 1995. And the timing of the fixtures being moved to coincide with the festive period has led to bumper crowds – with more than 33,000 at Murrayfield last year.
Soaring interest is behind the decision to move Glasgow’s home leg fixture from the Warriors’ Scotstoun Stadium home to Hampden for the very first time, with Glasgow looking to retain the trophy for the third straight season – after celebrating a 36-29 aggregate victory 12 months ago, despite losing the second match in the capital. And hopes are high that a record turnout will head to Hampden for the clash – with Warriors Managing Director, Al Kellock, saying: “This is a massive moment in the history of not just our club, but rugby within our city and our Glasgow Warriors community. To be able to take one of our biggest games of the season to one of Scotland’s national stadia is a reflection of the journey that we have been on as a club, as we continue to grow the game in our city.”
Record Sport has all the details you need ahead of the game.
What is the 1872 Cup?
Introduced in its current form in 2007, the 1872 Cup celebrates the history of the world’s oldest rugby rivalry, between Glasgow and Edinburgh. But it has had plenty of different guises over the years – and it wasn’t until 1995 that a trophy was introduced for the first time. It was historically played between Scotland’s four regional sides: North and Midlands; South; Glasgow District and Edinburgh District. After professionalism it became known as the Inter-District Championship for qualification to the Heineken Cup. It sat unused between 2002 and 2007 when the rebranded 1872 Cup was launched and awarded to the winner on aggregate of the two Pro14 matches between the sides.
When is the 1872 Cup?
Glasgow Warriors welcome Edinburgh to Hampden for the first game between the sides on Sunday December 22 with kick-off at 3pm. The second match takes places six days later, on Saturday December 28, at Murrayfield – with kick-off also at 3pm.
Why are Glasgow Warriors playing at Hampden?
When the decision to play the Warriors’ home tie at Hampden was announced, the club’s managing director Al Kellock said: “We’re excited by the opportunity this fixture presents, not only on the field but off it as well – we also hope to welcome a new audience that may otherwise not attend a Glasgow Warriors match, especially in the run-up to the festive holidays. To be able to take this fixture to Hampden is a reflection of the support upon which this club is built, and we know that our supporters will make Hampden an atmosphere unlike any other.”
How can I watch Glasgow vs Edinburgh in the 1872 Cup?
The game will be broadcast live on Premier Sports 1, with coverage starting at 2pm on December 22 and running until 5pm. Edinburgh’s home match will be on the same channel on December 28 with coverage underway from 2.30pm.
Can I stream Glasgow vs Edinburgh in the 1872 Cup?
Yes. Premier Sports customers will be able to follow the match live on the channel’s website. Those looking to subscribe to the channel can do so HEREfor a monthly fee starting at £10.99.