England v Scotland Rugby 2025: Date, TV, Tickets & Preview

Few rivalries in world rugby carry the weight of England versus Scotland. The Calcutta Cup fixture has been contested since 1879, and every encounter between these two nations comes loaded with history and tension. On Saturday 22 February 2025, that tradition continues when Scotland travels to Allianz Stadium, Twickenham — and both teams arrive with very different momentum. Kick-off is set for 4:45pm.

Date: 22 February 2025 · Venue: Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, London · Kick-off: 4:45pm · Competition: Guinness Men’s Six Nations · Format: Calcutta Cup rivalry match

The table below consolidates the essential match details sourced from official tournament records.

What TV channel is England v. Scotland on?

For UK viewers, the England versus Scotland Six Nations fixture airs on ITV1, with BBC Radio 5 Live handling commentary duties for those following on radio (ESPN). The tournament’s broadcast arrangements typically see each home union managing rights for their own territory, meaning England home games appear on ITV through their partnership with the English Rugby Football Union.

ITV broadcasts Six Nations matches live via ITVX for streaming viewers, meaning those without a television set can still watch in real time on the platform’s app (ITV Sport YouTube). BBC iPlayer occasionally carries supplementary coverage and highlights packages, though the live television rights rest with ITV for England home fixtures.

Is England rugby on ITV or BBC?

England Men’s Six Nations games at Twickenham are broadcast on ITV1, not BBC. This has been the arrangement since 2022 when the rights shifted from the BBC to ITV following a competitive tender process. BBC Radio 5 Live maintains exclusive radio rights across all Six Nations matches for UK audiences.

Can I watch the England rugby game on TV?

• ITV1 — Primary television broadcast for England home games
• ITVX — Live streaming via ITV’s online platform
• BBC Radio 5 Live — Radio commentary rights holder
• Peacock — US streaming platform carrying all Six Nations matches (Sporting News)

England v Scotland Rugby 2025 kick-off time

The official confirmed fixture places England v Scotland on Saturday 22 February 2025, with kick-off at 4:45pm GMT at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (Scottish Rugby). This 4:45pm slot is standard for Saturday evening Six Nations matches, allowing broadcast windows to accommodate both afternoon and evening games across the championship schedule.

The Six Nations 2025 tournament begins on Friday 31 January 2025 with France versus Wales, running through to late March (Sporting News). Scotland’s other home fixtures include Scotland v Italy on 1 February and Scotland v Wales on 8 March — the latter already sold out according to Scottish Rugby’s official listing.

What is the full schedule?

Scotland’s Six Nations 2025 home schedule at Murrayfield: Italy on 1 February (2:15pm kick-off), England on 22 February (4:45pm), and Wales on 8 March (4:45pm, sold out). England’s Twickenham fixture on 22 February represents their second home match following their opener against a different opponent earlier in the tournament.

England v Scotland rugby 2025 tickets

Ticket access for the Calcutta Cup fixture follows a tiered system managed by each union. Official sales via Scottish Rugby for Scotland away games began with member pre-sales, with general public availability following thereafter (Ticket-Compare). Demand for this particular fixture consistently exceeds supply, with most allocations distributed before any public window opens.

For those missing official sales, resale platforms offer an alternative — though at significantly higher prices. SeatPick currently lists tickets for Scotland versus England, with over 1,300 ticket options available (SeatPick). Ticket-Compare shows resale listings starting from $159, though availability fluctuates daily as prices adjust to market demand.

How to purchase tickets

• Scottish Rugby official site — Primary source for Scotland supporter tickets (Scottish Rugby)
• England Rugby — Official channel for England home match tickets
• Six Nations Rugby ticketing portal — Central hub for championship-wide ticket information (Six Nations Rugby)
• Viagogo / SeatPick / Ticket-Compare — Secondary market options at variable prices

England v Scotland rugby 2025 score

England have not won at Murrayfield since 2020, a statistic that looms large heading into any Scotland away fixture (ESPN). However, the February 2025 encounter flips the dynamic — England hosts at Twickenham, where their Six Nations record is considerably stronger. England won the most recent Calcutta Cup encounter in 2024 with a convincing margin, though Scotland claimed victory in the 2023 fixture at Murrayfield.

The Calcutta Cup itself — a trophy awarded to whichever nation wins the annual Five Nations or Six Nations matchup — has seesawed between the two sides in recent years. England currently holds the trophy following their 2024 victory, meaning Scotland faces the task of recapturing it on English soil.

Recent results context

England’s recent Six Nations trajectory shows promise under their current coaching setup, with improved forward dynamics and tactical flexibility. Scotland, meanwhile, has developed a reputation for tactical creativity but has struggled for consistency in close matches — particularly away from Murrayfield. The Twickenham venue, with its massive capacity and partisan crowd, presents a distinct challenge for visiting Scottish supporters.

Why is Duane van der Merwe not playing?

Duhan van der Merwe’s international availability has been a subject of sustained interest given his standing as one of Scotland’s most dynamic attacking threats. However, player availability decisions rest with head coach Gregor Townsend and are typically announced closer to matchday as part of final squad selections. The winger’s eligibility to represent Scotland — confirmed through his residency pathway — has never been in dispute, though questions about selection arise from his club form and fitness levels entering each championship window.

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu leads a squad that Townsend has progressively built around, with selection decisions reflecting both form and strategic balance. Van der Merwe’s absence from specific matchday squads typically reflects rotation or fitness management rather than any broader disciplinary or eligibility issue.

Why is Van der Merwe allowed to play for Scotland?

Van der Merwe qualifies for Scotland through the World Rugby residency rule, having completed the required three-year residency period while playing professionally in Scotland. This pathway is entirely standard within international rugby and applies to numerous players across all Six Nations nations. His selection history with Scotland confirms his eligibility is settled — the only questions surrounding his involvement relate to selection, not right to play.

Six Nations Rugby notes that Six Nations tickets are always in high demand — Rugby’s Greatest Championships are among the best-attended live sports events in the world.

Ticket-Compare observes that demand is intense, access routes are limited, and most tickets are allocated long before the public ever sees them.

The Calcutta Cup rivalry carries unique weight in the Six Nations — not merely for championship standings, but for the pride of two rugby-mad nations. England hosting at Twickenham shifts the dynamics compared to the typically hostile Murrayfield environment, but Scotland’s away record against England has improved notably in recent cycles. The 2025 edition arrives with both sides rebuilding after transitional periods, making the outcome genuinely unpredictable.

Related reading: Women’s Six Nations 2025

England clinched a tense 16-15 win over Scotland at Twickenham, detailed in the dramatic 16-15 victory report, to reclaim the Calcutta Cup after four straight Scottish triumphs.

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