The Six Nations trophy is being “retired from ceremonial use” and replaced after suffering fire damage in an accident during transit, tournament organizers said on Monday.
The trophy was damaged when the vehicle transporting it was involved in a motor vehicle crash in Ireland after the third round of matches.
No passengers were injured but it was decided that the trophy could not be restored to its original state, according to the manufacturer.
Photo: AFP
Introduced in 2015 to reflect the tournament’s expansion to six teams, the 75cm silver trophy would be replaced by an identical replica for the rest of this year’s championship.
A new trophy would be commissioned for 2027, organizers said.
“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,” a statement on the Six Nations Web site said.
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