Team facts

The Scotland national rugby union team first competed in the international arena when they went up against and beat England in 1871. Since the beginning of the Five Nations championship, now Six Nations with the addition of Italy, Scotland has won the title 14 times. Scotland has participated in the Rugby World Cup since it started in 1987, and the closest ever that they came to winning was landing in fourth place in 1991, after losing to the All Blacks for the third place finish. Four former players for Scotland have been recognized by the International Rugby Hall of Fame for their contribution to the sport: Gordon Brown; considered as "Scotland's greatest second row"; Gavin Hastings, recognized as one of the best rugby players in Scotland; fullback Andy Irvine, who earned 51 caps for Scotland; and Ian McGeechan, who was also knighted in the 2010 New Years Honours List for his contribution to rugby.