Fire-damaged Six Nations trophy to be replaced

The trophy was damaged when the vehicle transporting it was involved in an accident in Ireland after the third round of matches.

No passengers were injured but it was deemed the trophy could not be restored to its original state, according to the manufacturer.

Introduced in 2015 to reflect the tournament's expansion to six teams, the 75‑centimetre silver trophy will be replaced by an "identical" replica for the rest of this year's championship.

A new trophy will be commissioned for the 2027 edition.

"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," said a statement on the Six Nations website.