New Abbotsford trophy links rugby roots to today’s game

Rugby legends Keith Robertson and Gavin Hastings with the new trophy, the Abbotsford Claret Jug

LEADING club rugby players from the South of Scotland and from Edinburgh will lock horns in the renewal of the age-old Inter District Championship next month, but with a gleaming piece of silverware linked to rugby’s roots now on offer.

The Abbotsford Claret Jug was launched at Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, this week, bringing together rugby legends Keith Robertson and Gavin Hastings, as well as current stars of the district teams.

The new trophy was commissioned by the Faculty of Advocates Abbotsford Collection Trust for games played between the South of Scotland and Edinburgh in the Scottish clubs’ Inter District Championship.

Gavin Hastings said, “It is wonderful to see such an amazing trophy created in this day and age for a game that has a special place in history. I was very proud to represent and captain Edinburgh at any time, but especially in the Inter District Championship and against the South, and I’m delighted to see the games back in the calendar. I will be supporting Edinburgh of course, to be the first to get their hands on the Abbotsford Claret Jug.”

Keith Robertson commented: “The South has always had a very special place in the hearts of rugby players in this part of the world, and it is fantastic to see that history celebrated and linked with Sir Walter Scott. He was an enthusiastic organiser of early 19th Century games which played an important part in the development of rugby.”

The precise origins of rugby remain debated across the world, but, as with so much of Scotland’s recent history, Sir Walter played a part in the story. The Faculty of Advocates Abbotsford Collection Trust, which owns a treasure trove of books, art and fascinating objects reflecting Sir Walter’s interests, suggested the creation of a trophy recalling his involvement in the early days of rugby.

Neil Mackenzie KC, Keeper of the Advocates Library, said: “We’re delighted to sponsor this beautiful claret jug for the match between the South of Scotland and Edinburgh.

“You might wonder, why a claret jug? Well, Sir Walter Scott was rather fond of claret, and he actually played a role in rugby’s story. To celebrate the victory at Waterloo in 1815, Scott and the Duke of Buccleuch organised the Carterhaugh Ba Game – a legendary match at the confluence of the Ettrick and Yarrow.

“Over 100 men from Selkirk wearing fir sprigs faced over 100 from Yarrow wearing heather, with 2,000 spectators watching. Scott paraded the ancient Buccleuch banner as pipes skirled. The rules? A ball, hands and feet, score goals – that was it. After three brutal hours, at dusk it ended in a draw. But the press coverage caught fire, and that game entered rugby folklore.

“The word ‘Desdichado’ engraved on the jug is from Scott’s Ivanhoe – it is the word on the hero’s shield when he fought Bois-Gilbert. It means ‘disinherited’, but Scott’s point was powerful: true worth isn’t about being flash or decoration, but courage, skill and character. The themes of honour, identity and reconciliation inspired many authors, including Thomas Hughes, and his book ‘Tom Brown’s School Days’, published in 1857 and set in Rugby School in the 1830s, many say shaped rugby’s values of sportsmanship and team spirit.

“The Faculty's Abbotsford Collection Trust preserves Scott’s legacy at Abbotsford House and we’re proud to connect that heritage with this game. May the best team win!” said Mr Mackenzie.

Giles Ingram, Chief Executive of Abbotsford, said: “We were delighted when it was suggested that we might be associated with South and Edinburgh rugby.

“Abbotsford is a jewel in Scotland’s cultural crown, and we are very proud of how it connects modern-day Scotland to its past. This association with the current and future South of Scotland and Edinburgh rugby teams, proudly representing places that meant so much to Sir Walter, is a wonderful way to showcase that.”