1872: A Rugby Rivalry

BBC ALBA’s exclusive live festive coverage of the 1872 Cup will be kicked off by a documentary about the historic trophy this Saturday (1 December), right after the Munster v Warriors game (kick-off 7.45pm).’1872: A Rugby Rivalry’ will tell the story of the first ever inter-district clash in rugby history.Narrated by Hugh Dan McLennan, the programme will explain the fascinating tale of the cup since the first ever meeting of sides representing Glasgow and Edinburgh in 1872.In the year of its 140th anniversary, the programme looks at the history of the fixture and features contributions from many of the rugby greats that have taken part – as well as hearing from players currently playing for the two professional sides in the cities.Glasgow will welcome Edinburgh to Scotstoun Stadium for the first time on Friday December 21, for the opening leg of the eagerly anticipated clash (kick-off 7.35pm).Scotland greats Gavin Hastings, Andy Irvine and Chris Paterson will be among the figures contributing to the programme and we also hear from the current captains of Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby, Al Kellock and Greig Laidlaw.The absorbing rivalry chronicled in the documentary will be the perfect prelude to this season’s battle for silverware, which will be shown live on BBC ALBA.The 1872 Cup decider will then take the teams east to Murrayfield Saturday on Saturday, December 29 (kick-off 4.05pm).Alan Esslemont, head of content for BBC ALBA, said: 1872: A Rugby Rivalry is the perfect programme to complement the live coverage of the Glasgow and Edinburgh fixtures we have over the festive period.’the 1872 Cup has grown in prominence over the last few years but it is a trophy that many rugby fans will be keen to learn more about, especially its origins and its route to the current day where our two professional teams face each other every Christmas for both silverware and pride.We are sure the programme will be the perfect taster to our live coverage of another fiercely competitive battle between Glasgow and Edinburgh for the trophy and vital PRO12 points.Documentary show times: ‘1872: A Rugby Rivalry’- BBC ALBA, Saturday 1 December (9.35-10.05pm), repeated on Sunday 2 DecemberDocumentary show times: ‘1872: A Rugby Rivalry’- BBC ALBA, Saturday 1 December (9.35-10.05pm), repeated on Sunday 2 December (6pm) and Sunday 23 December (6.55pm)-The English narrated programme will be shown on BBC 2 Scotland on Wednesday 19 December (10pm)Match coverage:- Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh Rugby, BBC ALBA, Friday 21 December (7.30- 9.25pm)- Edinburgh Rugby v Glasgow Warriors, BBC ALBA, Saturday 29 December (4-6pm)