Blues Trial
Blues Trial is a select Scottish amateur rugby union trial team that draws its players from all Scottish-Qualified based players. They played against a Whites Trial side in order that selectors could pick the side for the Scotland international side.
| Full name | Blues Trial |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1878 |
History
Trial matches to determine international selection are almost as old as the first rugby union international match itself.
The first international was held in 1871.
The first district match, the Glasgow District versus Edinburgh District was held in 1872. The 'inter-city' match, as it was known, provided Scottish selectors a great platform to pick players to represent Scotland on the international stage.
In 1876, the playing franchise was widened out to the whole of Scotland. The West of Scotland District versus East of Scotland District became the premier trial match to pick the Scotland international players.[1]
The district system was further expanded:- and North of Scotland District, South of Scotland District, Midlands District and Scottish Exiles were created.
In addition, composite district sides like Provinces District and Cities District were also formed.
All these district sides gave Scottish selectors a basis to pick the best players they could for Scotland.
Formation of the Blues and Whites Trial sides
A more formal trial system began in 1878. This was the first time a Blues versus Whites trial match was formally played; for the purpose of selecting the Scotland international side.[2]
The trial match of 1878 began in anticipation of a match with Ireland falling through.
Later Trial matches
With the introduction of the Scotland Probables versus Scotland Possibles match, the Blues versus Whites match became the first trial match of the season; and the Probables versus Possibles became the last trial match of the season.
They gradually became more important and eclipsed the East v West matches which then became selection matches at age-grade level.
