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Scotland vs Wales: A Century of Competition

16 Feb 2026

The fixture between Scotland and Wales always promises a hard-fought fixture. With over 140 years of history, this match-up has evolved from the amateur days of the 19th century into a high-stakes highlight of the modern era.

20/01/79 FIVE NATIONS SCOTLAND V WALES (13-19) MURRAYFIELD - EDINBURGH The Scotland fans celebrate Andy Irvine's try.

Origins of the contest

The two nations first met in 1883 at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh, during the inaugural Home Nations Championship. Scotland secured a victory in that first encounter, marking the beginning of a contest that has now spanned 131 matches. For much of the early 20th century, the fixture was a showcase of contrasting regional styles with Wales snatching their first victory over Scotland on the sixth encounter in 1888.

While Wales have historically held the advantage in total wins, the matches themselves have frequently been decided by single scores. This competitive tension has produced some truly memorable moments, from Scotland’s commanding 34-18 victory in Cardiff in 1982 to the dramatic 31-24 Welsh comeback in 2010.

The Doddie Weir Cup

In 2018, the fixture gained a new level of significance with the introduction of the Doddie Weir Cup. Named after the legendary Scotland Second Row following his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND), the trophy was established through a joint initiative by the Scottish and Welsh Rugby Unions.

Beyond the silver trophy the competition was created to support the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. It has transformed the match into a platform for raising awareness and significant funds for MND research, ensuring that the legacy of one of the game’s most beloved figures remains at the heart of every Scotland-Wales encounter.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Jamie Ritchie lifts trophy during a Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and Wales at BT Murrayfield, on February 11, 2023, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

Recent memory

The last decade has seen a notable shift in the competitive balance between the two sides. Following a period of Welsh dominance, Scotland have found significant success in recent years. This includes a historic win in Llanelli in 2020 and a drought-breaking 27-26 victory in Cardiff in 2024, Scotland’s first win at the Principality Stadium in over two decades.

In 2025, Scotland successfully defended the Doddie Weir Cup with a 35-29 victory at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, marking the first time the side has secured three consecutive Six Nations Championship wins over Wales. This run of form adds a layer of intrigue to this year’s trip to the Welsh capital, as Scotland look to maintain their hold on the trophy.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – MARCH 08: Scotland’s Tom Jordan and Wales Blair Murray in action during a Guinness Six Nations match between Scotland and Wales at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, on March 08, 2025, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group)

The Next Chapter: Cardiff 2026

The latest chapter in this long-running series will be written this weekend as Scotland travel to the Welsh capital for the third round of the Guinness Men’s Six Nations.