1880-81 Home Nations rugby union matches

The 1880–81 Home Nations rugby union matches were a series of international rugby union friendlies held between the England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales national rugby union teams. This season is most notable for the introduction of Wales as an international rugby union nation, playing their first ever match in a game against England. Although Wales were humiliated by a crushing defeat it did not stop rugby union being adopted by Wales as the country's national sport.

The only recognised competition held between the countries was the annual Calcutta Cup match, contested between England and Scotland. It was the third challenge for the Cup.

The matches for this season were decided on goals scored. A goal was awarded for a successful conversion after a try, for a dropped goal or for a goal from mark. If a game was drawn, any unconverted tries were tallied to give a winner. If there was still no clear winner, the match was declared a draw.

England: A. N. Hornby (Manchester), C. M. Sawyer (Broughton), L Stokes (Blackheath) capt., WR Richardson (Manchester), HH Taylor (Blackheath), JI Ward (Richmond), CWL Fernandes (Leeds), Charles Gurdon (Richmond), C Phillips (Birkenhead Park), GF Vernon (Blackheath), JJ Ravenscroft (Birkenhead Park), George Burton (Blackheath), HC Rowley (Manchester), ET Gurdon (Richmond), WW Hewitt (Queen's House)

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