The Six Nations trophy will be retired after a fire in a van transporting the silverware caused severe damage, tournament organisers confirmed on Monday.
The trophy, standing 75cm tall and weighing seven kilos of silver, was crafted in 2015. An identical exhibition piece will be awarded to this year's champions, while a new trophy will be commissioned in the same design. Materials from the original will be incorporated into the new trophy to preserve its history.
This is not the first time a rugby trophy has been damaged. In 1988, Scotland's John Jeffrey and England's Dean Richards played football with the Calcutta Cup on an Edinburgh street, causing significant dents and receiving bans.
The incident occurred ahead of a pivotal weekend in this year's tournament, with France leading the standings and aiming for a Grand Slam. Scotland, Ireland, and England are also in contention as the championship reaches its climax.
