The first version of the championship began during the 1977/78 season, with a brief hiatus in the early 1980s, before it returned in a slightly altered format for the 1985/86 season. The championship ended for a second time during the 1995/96 season as the professional era of rugby union began. All matches were generally played in the December of each season, to prepare players ahead of the start of the Five Nations Championship in the new year.Jenkins, Vivian (Editor). Rothmans Rugby Yearbook 1981-82. Rothmans Publications Ltd. pp 130. .
