Key Points
- Scotland and Wales have contested rugby union matches since 1883, totalling 131 encounters with Wales securing 75 wins and Scotland 53.
- The rivalry forms a cornerstone of the Six Nations Championship and its predecessors, featuring iconic clashes at venues like Murrayfield and Cardiff Arms Park.
- Since 2018, the Doddie Weir Cup has been awarded to the winner, honouring the late Scottish rugby legend Doddie Weir.
- Historic triumphs include Scotland’s 34-18 victory in Cardiff in 1982 and Wales’ narrow 19-18 win at Murrayfield in 1971 en route to a Grand Slam.
Edinburgh (Edinburgh Daily News) February 16, 2026 – The storied rugby union rivalry between Scotland and Wales, which began in 1883, marks over 140 years of intense competition.
With 131 matches played to date, Wales hold a commanding lead of 75 victories to Scotland’s 53, alongside three draws, according to historical records from the Scottish Rugby Union and rugby databases.
What Makes This Rivalry One of Rugby’s Oldest?
The fixture originated in the amateur era of the late 19th century as part of the Home Nations Championship, evolving into a highlight of the modern Six Nations. Generations of players have defined the contest through hard-fought battles, with Scotland enjoying home advantage in 65 games, winning 35, while Wales dominate away with 47 triumphs in 65 outings.
As reported by rugby historians of World Rugby Museum, early matches like the 1924 encounter at Inverleith showcased emerging talents, setting the stage for a century of drama.
How Have Iconic Moments Shaped the Series?
Scotland’s commanding 34-18 win over Wales at Cardiff Arms Park in 1982, led by fly-half John Rutherford, stands as one of their finest away performances. Wales countered with a tense 19-18 victory at Murrayfield in 1971, propelled by Gareth Edwards, paving the way for their first Five Nations Grand Slam.
Which Recent Trophy Adds Extra Stakes?
The Doddie Weir Cup, introduced in 2018, commemorates the legacy of Scotland’s Doddie Weir, who battled motor neurone disease, uniting the nations in tribute while intensifying annual Six Nations clashes.
What Lies Ahead for Scotland and Wales?
Both teams continue to vie annually in the Six Nations, with recent matches like Scotland’s 33-20 triumph in 1999 underscoring the fixture’s enduring competitiveness. Future encounters promise to build on this rich heritage.
Historical accounts from Scottish Rugby affirm the matchup’s evolution from 19th-century origins into a high-stakes spectacle.
