England v Scotland on TV: how to watch Six Nations, kick-off time and what channel Calcutta Cup is on

Scotland’s Guinness Six Nations campaign kicks off at Twickenham this weekend with the Auld Enemy clash – The Calcutta Cup – against England.

But this one is a little different – and not just unusual with coronavirus restrictions leaving the crowd out of the equation and the match contested in an empty Twickenham.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the first meeting of the teams – and a century and a half since Scotland took the spoils on the spring afternoon in Edinburgh.

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Since then, England have built up the better record, and Gregor Townsend’s side has a long way to go to catch up – trailing 71-40 in matches won, while 16 have been draws, including the epic 38-38 meeting in 2019.

It’s three years since Scotland last won the annual meeting – a 24-13 victory at Murrayfield in 2018 – but 38 years since success at Twickenham.

It’s on the line again this afternoon. Here’s what you need to know to tune in to this afternoon’s big match.

Who are the current holders?

Magnus Bradbury (right) in action for Scotland during the Guinness Six Nations Match between Scotland and England at BT Murrayfield on February 08, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Bill Murray / SNS Group /SRU)Magnus Bradbury (right) in action for Scotland during the Guinness Six Nations Match between Scotland and England at BT Murrayfield on February 08, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Bill Murray / SNS Group /SRU)
Magnus Bradbury (right) in action for Scotland during the Guinness Six Nations Match between Scotland and England at BT Murrayfield on February 08, 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Bill Murray / SNS Group /SRU)

England have held the Calcutta Cup over the past 12 months. Scotland last won the trophy in 2018 and retained it with the draw the following year. Last year’s match at Murrayfield was fairly low scoring – but went 6-13 in England’s favour.

England are also the reigning Six Nations champions. Scotland have never won the Six Nations before – last winning the championship when it was a five country competition in 1999.

What time is kick-off?

The game starts at 4.45pm but there’s plenty of build-up prior. Italy host France in Rome for the opening game before the action begin at Twickenham.

How can I watch the game?

The game is on ITV as part of their opening afternoon of the Championships. That means channel 103 on most suppliers with the rugby action beginning at lunchtime. After the Italy v France game, it’s the Calcutta Cup and the official start of the coverage from southwest London begins at 4.15pm.

Is it free?

The Six Nations are among the ‘crown jewels’ for broadcast so coverage will be free-to-air and accessible no matter which TV provider you’re with. ITV have the rights to all England home matches.

Can I stream the game online?

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Yes. If you’re not near a TV the match will be shown on the ITV Hub website and ITV Player app. This can also be accessed by Sky Go app.

Where else can I stay updated?

We’ll have all the updates on the action, and the best post-match reaction to the big game at The Scotsman website throughout the afternoon’s build-up and into the evening post-match – as well as all the analysis right across the weekend.

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