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A FED-UP Scottish rugby fan got the unwanted job of hand-delivering the Calcutta Cup to the victorious English team. But despite what many fans think, it was Graham who actually ensured that the rugby world's oldest trophy went to the English. Graham said: "We handle any package with the utmost respect, but this was a job which warranted the most special care and I didn't leave the vehicle at any time, even during brief rest stops. After the 400-mile trek south, he joked: "I've just become the man who handed the Calcutta Cup to the English. He works for Eagle Couriers, who are sometimes tasked with moving important silverware safely from venue to venue. Every year during the Six Nations, the winner of the grudge match between Scotland and England claims the Calcutta Cup. The priceless trophy - fashioned by Indian craftsmen at the height of British colonial power - was sealed in a protective travel box for the journey south. The trophy will now go on public display in Twickenham's Museum of Rugby. Parks was criticised for his poor showing in the opening match of the Six Nations against the Auld Enemy - and retired from international rugby shortly afterwards. Now both the English and Scottish rugby unions have full-sized modern replicas of the distinctive 18-inch trophy. Graham said: "This is the first time we've been asked to transport the Calcutta Cup, so it's a real shame I had to make the journey the wrong way round. Scotland legend John Jeffrey and England's Dean Richards earned infamy in 1988 when they used the cup as a football on Princes Street in Edinburgh. We want your local stories, videos |
Sunday 12 February 2012
Scots courier who had to deliver Calcutta Cup to English
