The Auld Alliance Trophy is one of the rivalry trophies up for grabs during the annual Six Nations Championship. For French and Scottish fans, this trophy is of great importance. However, it also has a much deeper and more symbolic meaning.
From the history of the Auld Alliance to the winners of this prestigious piece of silverware, here’s everything you need to know about the Auld Alliance Trophy.
Which teams compete for the Auld Alliance Trophy?
Two teams compete to win the Auld Alliance Trophy: France and Scotland. Every year, these two teams face one another at the Six Nations Championship and the winner of this annual match claims the trophy.
When was the first Auld Alliance Trophy awarded?
The Auld Alliance Trophy was first awarded at the 2018 Six Nations. The annual Scotland vs France match was held on 11 February 2018 at Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh. Here, Scotland triumphed 32-26 and became the first team to lift the trophy.
The year 2018 was a significant milestone. The trophy was created by world-famous silversmiths and goldsmiths, Thomas Lyte & Co, to mark the centenary of Armistice and the end of World War I.
What is the significance of the Auld Alliance Trophy?
The Auld Alliance Trophy commemorates the 30 Scottish and 22 French rugby players who gave their lives during the conflict. Their service and sacrifice is honoured in the design, which features two flowers of remembrance: poppies and cornflowers.
The Auld Alliance Trophy pays homage to two heroic team captains: Scotland’s Eric Milroy and France’s Marcel Burgun. The solid silver trophy is inscribed in English and French: “In memory of Eric Milroy, Marcel Burgun and all the French and Scottish rugby players who fell during World War I”.
Milroy earned 12 caps for Scotland, two of which were as captain. In fact, he captained Scotland during the final international test before WWI. Meanwhile, Burgun was a key member of the French squad. The centre was on the pitch for France’s first victory against Scotland in 1911.
What is the history of the Auld Alliance Trophy?
Although the trophy was introduced in 2018, the history of the Auld Alliance dates back to the 13th century. Meaning ‘old alliance’ in Scotland and translating as ‘Vieille Alliance’ in France, the term ‘Auld Alliance’ refers to a historic treaty between the two countries.
The Auld Alliance Trophy is named after an agreement that was signed in 1295. This treaty solidified an alliance between the two countries – and caused problems for England. The treaty stated that if one country was attacked by England, the other would send troops to invade England.
What other rivalry trophies do France and Scotland compete for at the Six Nations?
The Six Nations features six other rivalry trophies: the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy, Millennium Trophy, Calcutta Cup, Cuttitta Cup, Doddie Weir Cup, and Centenary Quaich.
Scotland compete for a rivalry trophy in each of their matches and they are the only team in the Six Nations to do so. The side competes against Wales for the Doddie Weir Cup and they also go against Ireland for the Centenary Quaich, England for the Calcutta Cup, and Italy for the Cuttitta Cup.
The French team competes for one other rivalry trophy, the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy, with Italy. Since its inception in 2007, France have won it fifteen times and Italy have won it twice. In 2024 the competition featured its first draw after France and Italy finished their match at 13-13.
Which team has won the Auld Alliance Trophy the most?
Scotland won the inaugural trophy in 2018 before securing consecutive wins in 2020 and 2021. France and Scotland were tied at three wins each until the 2024 Six Nations, where France claimed their fourth title and third consecutive victory.
The Auld Alliance Trophy results table
Here is the Auld Alliance Trophy winner by year:
Year | Winner | Result | Date | Stadium |
2018 | Scotland | 32-26 | 11 February | Murrayfield, Edinburgh |
2019 | France | 27-10 | 23 February | Stade de France, Paris |
2020 | Scotland | 28-17 | 8 March | Murrayfield, Edinburgh |
2021 | Scotland | 23-27 | 26 March | Stade de France, Paris |
2022 | France | 17-36 | 26 February | Murrayfield, Edinburgh |
2023 | France | 32-21 | 26 February | Stade de France, Paris |
2024 | France | 16-20 | 10 February | Murrayfield, Edinburgh |
Did you know the history of the Auld Alliance Trophy? And do you think Scotland or France will claim it in the upcoming tournament? Comment below to let us know.
