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Six Nations organisers have disclosed their seemingly impossible task to enable French, Irish and Scottish rugby players to view a replica trophy as they took to the field for their crucial fixtures, despite the trophy sustaining fire damage. The historic championship trophy was irreparably damaged in a vehicle fire while being transported in Ireland.

Although nobody was injured, the incident has removed the trophy from the equation, and either Ireland or France will receive a replica while the new trophy will not be ready until 2027. The replica was exhibited at the Aviva Stadium for Ireland's 43-21 victory over Scotland, and will be transported to France as they seek to crown themselves Six Nations champions with a triumph over England.

A message posted by BBC Sport from a tournament official characterised their plans as a "mission impossible endeavour" with the replica being transported between Dublin and Paris. Ireland will have to wait and see whether Steve Borthwick's side can deliver an almighty shock to Les Bleus and deny the reigning champions.

A statement confirmed that should either France or Ireland claim the prestigious Six Nations Championship. It 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."

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Photographs revealed the extent of the damage to the trophy, which appeared scorched from the vehicle blaze. The organisers now face a rush to have the silverware prepared in time for 2027 as the existing piece, introduced in 2015, will be replaced. It was commissioned to mark the competition's expansion to six nations with the 75cm piece crafted from sterling silver.

The striking trophy swiftly became one of rugby's most recognisable symbols. The intricate process will demand approximately 365 hours of specialist craftsmanship, with hopes it will be unveiled ahead of next year's Championship.

Scotland's loss to Ireland confirmed their exit from the title race on "Super Sunday" as they couldn't build on their victory over France which had blown the Six Nations wide open. A draw with a four-point try bonus would suffice for Les Bleus, as would a victory of any margin.

For England, it marks another disastrous campaign following their troubled preparation for the 2023 World Cup and the off-field turmoil preceding the New Zealand tour a year later. However, no Red Rose team has ever endured a Six Nations campaign without securing a single victory - a prospect that Borthwick's squad are now facing.