Centenary Quaich
The Centenary Quaich: Ireland and Scotland's annual Six Nations trophy.
The Centenary Quaich is an international rugby union award contested annually by Ireland and Scotland as part of the Six Nations Championship.
Quick Facts
- Sport
- Rugby union
- Founded
- 1989
- Teams
- 2
- Country
- Ireland; Scotland
- Champion
- Ireland
Lore & Background
A 'Quaich' is a Gaelic drinking vessel and has been presented to the winners of the fixture since 1989. It was introduced to mark the centenary of the founding of the International Rugby Football Board (founded 1887, which later became World Rugby). Since the introduction of the cup, Ireland have won it twenty-three times while Scotland have won it fourteen times, with one drawn fixture. The Quaich is not contested in matches between the two sides outside the Six Nations. For example, the trophy was not awarded for pool matches between the two sides during the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups.
Reader's Guide
The contest for the Quaich has been notable for periods of dominance by one or other team. On the other hand, Ireland have dominated from 2000 onwards, winning 23 out of 27 contests thereafter.
Did You Know?
- Several of the other rivalry trophies involve either Ireland or Scotland.
- Other examples within the Six Nations Championship include the Calcutta Cup (Scotland vs. England), the Millennium Trophy (England vs.
- The Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy (France vs. Italy) is the only current rivalry trophy within the Six Nations Championship not involving at least one of the Scotland and Ireland teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Centenary Quaich?
The Centenary Quaich is a Gaelic drinking vessel awarded annually to the winner of the Ireland versus Scotland match within the Six Nations Championship. It serves as a specific trophy for this historic rivalry, distinct from the main tournament championship.
Why was the Centenary Quaich introduced in 1989?
The trophy was instituted in 1989 to commemorate the centenary of the founding of the International Rugby Football Board, which later became World Rugby. It honors one hundred years of organized international rugby governance since the board's establishment in 1887.
Which teams compete for the Centenary Quaich?
Only Ireland and Scotland contest this award during their annual fixture as part of the Six Nations tournament. The trophy is not awarded when these two nations play each other outside of the official championship schedule.
How has the competition historically panned out between the two sides?
Since its introduction, Ireland holds a significant lead with twenty-three victories compared to Scotland's fourteen wins. There has also been one drawn fixture in the history of the trophy's contestation.
Is the Centenary Quaich considered part of the main Six Nations title?
No, it is a separate bilateral award specifically for the Ireland-Scotland match and does not determine the overall Six Nations champion. Winning the Quaich adds prestige to the fixture but exists independently from the Grand Slam or Triple Crown honors.
More in Tournament History & Eras
Elsewhere in Six Nations Rugby
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