FOR THE first time in a Six Nations tournament, a replica of the RBS Six Nations trophy has been pressed due to uncertainty over where the title will be won.
On Saturday, the replica trophy will be located at either the Stade de France in Paris, should Ireland or France win it, or the Stadio Olimpico in Rome, in the event that England claim a tournament victory over Italy.
“We knew this day would come. The reality is we can’t be sure where it is going to be won,” Six Nations chief executive John Feehan told The Telegraph.
“In the past we have tried to have the trophy somewhere between both stadia and managed to do it but we were just lucky.
“We got away with it and sooner or later our luck would run out and it wouldn’t look good if we didn’t have a trophy to present to the winners. The replica is exactly the same as the original trophy, the only difference is the water-mark.”
The decision came after Six Nations officials agreed on Monday that the logistical challenge of transporting the original trophy to the correct venue in time for the winner’s presentation was too great.
Ireland, England and France are all possible champions as they play their final matches on Saturday, with three wins from four games.
Each game is staggered meaning that kick off for each game takes place at different times, but the winner will only be decided at the end of the final game between France and Ireland in Paris.
Ireland look certain to become champions if they are able to secure any victory over France – it would be their second win in France in 43 years - but if they are defeated it will be possible for England to claim their first title in three years with a win over Italy.
Previously, there have been four occasions where the championship has been decided in the final weekend on points difference, but each time the organisers successfully chose the right location.
None of the teams will be told at which venue the original trophy will be present.
