[2] To include other players when selecting the international team, the East v West District match was introduced by the Scottish Rugby Union in the 1875-76 season.
Although intended to increase representation from outwith Glasgow and Edinburgh, as this was the premier trial match both Glasgow and Edinburgh players were eligible for selection for their corresponding West and East sides.
It then switched to an age-grade format and was used for selecting the best Under 23 players for Scotland.
When the Scottish Inter-District Championship began its own grade tournament, the East v West matches were curtailed.
These matches are now used as trial matches to identify candidates for the Scottish Rugby Academy and potential Glasgow Warriors, Edinburgh Rugby and Scotland stars of the future.