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All eyes on the 1872 Cup

25 Oct 2026

Two months out from the festive derby, both sides of the 1872 Cup are unbeaten in the BKT United Rugby Championship. That sets things up nicely for Sunday 27 December, when Edinburgh Rugby welcome Glasgow Warriors to Scottish Gas Murrayfield (kick-off 3pm) for the latest chapter of club rugby’s oldest derby.

The only derby this Christmas

This year’s 1872 Cup looks a little different. For the last few seasons, supporters have had a festive double-header, with back-to-back derbies either side of Christmas.

This time Edinburgh’s home leg is the only 1872 Cup meeting over the festive period, and the second and deciding leg moves to Hampden Park in April.

The trophy is still decided on aggregate across both games, but December sets the tone. Whoever comes out on top at Murrayfield takes an advantage into the spring, and there will be a long four months to wait for the reply.

With friends and family back in town for the holidays, it’s the one chance this Christmas to see the derby in the capital.

Where Edinburgh are at

Sean Everitt’s side have made a positive start. A bonus-point 34-29 win over Ulster in Belfast was followed by a home victory over the DHL Stormers, sealed by Rory McHaffie on his home debut, and a bonus-point 29-12 win at Zebre Parma.

On Friday night Edinburgh beat the 10bet Lions 31-10 at Hive Stadium, with scrum-half Hector Patterson scoring twice and taking player of the match.

That makes four wins from four in the league for the first time in 11 years. But it’s still early in the season, and the 27-17 defeat to Toulon in the Challenge Cup opener showed there is plenty still to work on.

With younger players stepping up each week, Ewan Ashman leading the pack and summer signings Riley Higgins and Louie Chapman settling in, the focus is simply on building week by week.

Where Glasgow are at

Glasgow arrive as holders and as one of the most consistent sides in the competition.

Franco Smith’s men topped the URC table last season before a one-point semi-final defeat to the Bulls, and they have picked up where they left off. They won at Thomond Park, drew 33-33 with Ulster and beat Connacht at Scotstoun, before a 47-27 Champions Cup win at Sale Sharks.

On Saturday they came back from 17-0 down to beat Benetton 24-20 with a bonus point. Captain Kyle Steyn and flanker Rory Darge, with a try in each of his last three games, were among the scorers. Scotland back-rower Jamie Ritchie also made his Warriors debut.

Glasgow have held the 1872 Cup since 2022/23 and won both meetings last season, so Edinburgh know the size of the task. Form in October counts for little once the derby comes round, and both squads will be packed with Scotland internationals who know each other inside out.

Be there

Close to 40,000 supporters filled Scottish Gas Murrayfield for last season’s derby, on the back of a 40,000-plus record in 2024. Your support makes a real difference on days like this, so let’s fill the stadium again.

All eyes are on the 1872 Cup. Tickets for Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors on Sunday 27 December are on sale now.