A bizarre incident means that tournament bosses could now face a logistical headache
The Six Nations trophy has been destroyed and tournament organisers could now face a big logistical headache as a result.
It was confirmed on Monday that the trophy had sustained significant damage in a vehicle fire following the third round of competition fixtures last month. It later emerged that the incident happened as the trophy was being driven from Limerick to Dublin and, while nobody was injured, the silverware was heavily fire damaged with a photo of the scorched trophy soon surfacing online.
The damage was so significant that an assessment by the trophy’s official manufacturer determined that it could not be restored to full presentation standard.
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As a result, it has been retired from ceremonial duties, with Six Nations bosses announcing that a new trophy – which will have materials salvaged from the damaged original incorporated into its build – will be made and unveiled ahead of the 2027 championship.
Tournament organisers have also confirmed that an identical exhibition trophy will be presented to this year’s champions in place of the damaged original.
However, the situation has seen a new problem emerge as there appears to be a chance the winners of this year’s Six Nations may not receive a trophy at all, with it still possible that the title could go down to the final round of matches on Saturday, March 14.
While France are the hot favourites to seal the title as the only team to remain unbeaten in this year’s competition, a slip-up against Scotland this weekend would see them hand advantage to Gregor Townsend’s side going into the final weekend.
Meanwhile, Ireland could at least close the gap at the top of the table if they secure a big win over Wales on Friday night.
That scenario would see three teams go into the final weekend as title hopefuls, with France hosting England in Paris and Ireland and Scotland facing each other in Dublin.
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There has traditionally been both the original trophy and the back-up replica trophy available to help cover all bases. This was the case last year when the original was taken to Paris on the final weekend for France’s title-sealing win over Scotland, with a replica on standby for England in Cardiff in case Les Bleus slipped up.
However, with the main trophy no longer usable and its replacement not ready until the 2027 championship, it remains unclear what the plan would be for tournament organisers if the title could go more than one way on the final weekend.
Of course, this potential headache could easily be avoided if France can continue their red-hot form and defeat Scotland on Saturday.
After wins over Ireland, Wales and Italy, Fabien Galthie’s side are the only team still in with a chance of securing a Grand Slam and they will as good as seal the title if they come out on top in Edinburgh.
A bonus point win would make sure of it, but four points should win France the title as, while it would still technically be possible for Ireland to finish level with them on 19 points with two bonus point wins, Andy Farrell’s side would need a highly unlikely points swing of more than 80 points in their favour to snatch the title away from Les Bleus.
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