Soldiers of Brecknockshire territorials were mobilised in August 1914 at the start of the First World War. The battalion was sent to Mhow in India as a garrison battalion. The Calcutta Cricket & Football Club had introduced Rugby in 1872 and the club provided a Challenge Cup for teams in India. The Brecknocks XV, containing a number of Welsh rugby club players, won the cup in 1917. The same Calcutta Cup provided the trophy which is annually awarded to the winners of the England and Scotland international match.