The Six Nations trophy has been damaged beyond repair in a vehicle fire in Ireland.
No one was harmed during the incident, which happened after the third round of matches, but the trophy cannot be restored to “full presentation standard”.
It was in Ireland as part of a roadshow, where it is presented at various events across the competing nations.
It means the winners of the trophy this year will be presented with a replica instead.
The materials from the damaged trophy, which was made in 2015, will be used to create another, identical, version from scratch.
That will take approximately 365 hours of work (15 days) but the new trophy will not be unveiled until the 2027 championship.
An identical replica of the original is always ready to be deployed in instances where two sides are capable of winning the Six Nations on the final day.
So the 2026 championship winners are scheduled to lift the replica, but should the current leaders France be defeated by second-placed Scotland at Murrayfield next weekend, organisers might be left sweating on which location would be best for the trophy on the final day.
“The original Six Nations trophy is to be retired from ceremonial duties, with its legacy transferred to an identical new creation for the 2027 championship,” read a statement from the championship organisers.
“Whilst in transit during round three of the Guinness men’s Six Nations, an incident occurred involving the vehicle carrying the championship trophy. Thankfully, no passengers were injured, however the trophy sustained fire damage, and following an assessment by the official trophy manufacturer, unfortunately it cannot be restored to its full presentation standard.
“In keeping with these presentation standards, respect for the significance of winning the Six Nations – one of sports’ most prestigious titles – and to preserve the integrity of the trophy and its heritage, it will be retired from ceremonial use.
“The trophy was created in 2015 to reflect the tournament’s evolution to six teams, standing 75cm tall and made from precious silver, and whilst this accident is hugely unfortunate, the situation adds another chapter to the history of a trophy that represents one of global sport’s most celebrated tournaments, with its roots reaching back to 1883.”
Six Nations Rugby is intending to document the full creation process, from design to build of the new trophy, to share alongside the unveiling of the new one.