[1] The competition was replaced by the Anglo-Welsh Cup, involving 4 Welsh regional sides in addition to the 12 English Premiership clubs, beginning with the 2005–06 season.

The RFU had long resisted national competitions as it was thought that they would encourage player payments.

The first competition took place in the 1971–72 season, where Gloucester defeated Moseley in the final 17–6, to become the inaugural champions.

[citation needed] The cup was named after glass manufacturing company Pilkington for the 1988-89 tournament.

[2] Starting in 2005–06, the cup was replaced by a new format including only the twelve teams from the Guinness Premiership and the four Welsh regions, ending its status as an open competition.