France's hand replaced Ireland's on the Six Nations rugby trophy after a momentous 42-27 win at Aviva Stadium on Saturday. France decisively took over the lead of the championship with a bonus-point victory and can clinch its first title since 2022 in the final round at home next Saturday when it hosts Scotland.

Gardner said the fact O’Mahony, like Healy and Conor Murray making his final Ireland appearance in Dublin, was back-peddling absolved Flament from blame for stopping him tackling the approaching ball carrier. It appeared, at best, a questionable decision. Easterby will have questions too.

From the 2026 Six Nations onwards Ireland and France will contest a new cup, which is yet to be made or officially named. The new trophy will sit alongside the likes of the Calcutta Cup, the Millennium Trophy, the Centenary Quaich, the Giuseppe Garibaldi Trophy, the Auld Alliance Trophy, and the Doddie Weir Cup.