The Six Nations trophy has been retired from ‘ceremonial duties’ after sustaining fire damage.A new trophy is set to be presented from 2027 onwards, but this year’s winners will instead receive a replica trophy.The Six Nations trophy will be replaced after it was damaged in a fireShutterstock EditorialIn a statement, the Six Nations confirmed an exhibition version of the championship trophy will be presented to the 2026 winners.It comes after the silverware was damaged whilst in transit during the third round of matches last month.The trophy cannot be restored to ‘full presentation standard’ and will be replaced at the end of the campaign.Six Nations statementA statement from the Six Nations read: “Whilst in transit during Round Three of the Guinness men’s Six Nations, an incident occurred involving the vehicle carrying the championship trophy.“Thankfully no passengers were injured, however the trophy sustained fire damage, and following an assessment by the official trophy manufacturer, unfortunately it cannot be restored to its full presentation standard.“In keeping with these presentation standards, respect for the significance of winning the Six Nations – one of sport’s most prestigious titles – and to preserve the integrity of the trophy and its heritage, it will be retired from ceremonial use.”The current championship trophy has been in use since the 2015 Six Nations.As it stands, France are set to be the recipients of the exhibition trophy at the end of the current campaign.The 19-time winners top the standings having won each of their opening three matches.They have also picked up bonus points during those victories over Ireland, Wales and Italy.France will be the last team to lift the previous Six Nations championship trophyAFPFrance head into the fourth round of matches ahead of Scotland and Ireland in the table.Les Bleus are aiming to win back-to-back championships and wins over Scotland and England would secure a first Grand Slam since 2022.France have already picked up silverware during this year’s tournament thanks to their win over Ireland.In doing so, they claimed the inaugural Solidarity Trophy, which celebrates the historic links between the two nations.They also retained the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy by beating Italy 33-8 in Lille on February 23.France and Scotland have also contested the Auld Alliance Trophy since 2018, with the latest winner to be decided this weekend.GettyFrance are on course to win their first Grand Slam since 2022 this month[/caption]The Six Nations returns to action this weekend with Ireland hosting Wales in Dublin on Friday.Scotland and France then face off at Murrayfield in Edinburgh the following day.England are also in action on Saturday, travelling to Rome to take on Italy.