A van transporting the Six Nations trophy caught fire in Ireland, resulting in the damaged silverware being replaced for next season, tournament organisers confirmed on Monday.
The trophy, standing 75cm tall and weighing seven kilos of silver, was crafted in 2015. It will now be retired from use, with an identical exhibition piece to be awarded to this year’s champions.
Organisers stated: “A new Trophy will be commissioned in the same design as the original, with materials from the original being incorporated into the new Trophy, ensuring its history is respectfully transferred to the new creation.”
This incident is not the first time a rugby trophy has suffered damage.
In 1988, Scotland’s John Jeffrey and England’s Dean Richards famously played football with the Calcutta Cup on an Edinburgh street, causing significant dents to the 110-year-old trophy and receiving bans from the Scottish Rugby Football Union.
The Six Nations trophy catching fire occurred ahead of a pivotal weekend in this year’s tournament.
France are currently on course to retain their title after three straight wins but face a tricky trip to Scotland on Saturday as they aim to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive.
Scotland have won two of their opening three matches, and picked up a convincing victory over England in their last home outing at Murrayfield.
Meanwhile, Ireland will hope to maintain their own momentum after consecutive triumphs over Italy and England as they host a winless Wales on Friday night.
The weekend’s action will conclude with Steve Borthwick’s England travelling to Rome to take on Italy.
England have lost their last two matches against Scotland and Ireland, leaving their Six Nations hopes in tatters.
It is unlikely to get any easier for England when they take on an improving Italy as they look to salvage their Six Nations campaign.
