The dates for the eagerly awaited 1872 Cup matches between Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors have now been confirmed as Sunday 27 December at Firhill and Saturday 2 January at Murrayfield (both 3.05pm) with both matches being televised live on STV.

Last season, almost 20,000 Scottish rugby enthusiasts (12,500 at Murrayfield and 6, 665 at Firhill) watched both matches contested over the festive period and another two bumper crowds are expected this time around.

Supporters who have bought tickets to Scotland’s Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests will qualify for free admission to the Murrayfield leg of the celebrated double-header. For more information please visit edinburghrugby.org, glasgowwarriors.org or scottishryugby.org.

Edinburgh Chief Executive Nic Cartwright believes the latest double instalment of the intercity clash – a rivalry older than football’s Old Firm – will be another success.

Cartwright said: “When the 1872 Cup was reintroduced two seasons ago, the aim was to make the fixtures special events in the Scottish sporting calendar.

“The response since then has been really encouraging and this time around with STV on board we can also expect a huge terrestrial TV audience.

“We are really excited about what is in store for the games and believe the nation’s rugby enthusiasts will buy into what the occasions are all about.”

Glasgow head coach, Sean Lineen echoed those sentiments and said: “In all of the three years I’ve been involved there’s been something special with each side winning a match a piece each and the title going down to points difference.

“The 1872 Cup crowd sizes are getting bigger every year because the game really captures the true nature of a passionate Scottish derby.

“It’s something all of the players talk about because a win is not only worth the bragging rights for the rest of the season but also presents the chance to show yourself as a player against an opposite number in a game which can effectively be seen as a national trial.”