Six Nations for Navan!

Rugby fans in the Meath area will have an opportunity to have a close up look at the Six Nations and Triple Crown trophies when Navan RFC hosts on open night on Friday, 7.0. Both of the famous trophies will be on display at Balreask Old as Navan Rugby Club stage the open event as they seek to broaden their support base ahead of their debut season in the All-Ireland League Div 3. The evening will include a barbecue and the finals of the Tag Rugby tournament. The first final kicks-off at 7.30 on the senior pitch and there will be four different deciders played with the 'grand final" scheduled for 8.15 followed by presentations in the clubhouse. The Six Nations and the Triple Crown trophies will be on view from 7.0 and those who attend are encouraged to bring their cameras for photographs with the famous trophies. 'As this is an open evening everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the rugby, get their picture taken with the trophies and to enjoy the evening,' said Navan RFC official Colm Horton. The idea of a trophy for the Six Nations Championships was originally mooted by the Earl of Westmorland and was first presented in 1993 to the winners France. The trophy is made of 200 ounces of sterling silver and is insured for €55,000. It was designed by James Brent-Ward and made by eight craftsmen at the London silversmith firm of William Comyns. The inside of the trophy was originally silver, but it became so tarnished from repeated fillings with champagne that it has been lined with 22-carat gold to protect it. There are 15 sides to the trophy, representing each player, and three handles representing each official, the referee and two touch judges. The capacity of the trophy is exactly five bottles of champagne, one for each of the original Five Nations, and the trophy has a lip at the rim, designed so that it is easy to drink from.