Six Nations launched with new trophy

The 2015 RBS Six Nations was launched today in London - with a snazzy new trophy up for grabs.

Paul O’Connell and the other captains gathered at the Hurlingham Club this morning for the launch.

Ireland are looking for back-to-back victories in the competition, and Ireland’s captain said their strong performance in the Autumn Internationals gave them the perfect springboard to defend their title.

"November was great for us,” O’Connell said at the launch. . “Anytime you can take those two big scalps of South Africa and Australia, it's always a great autumn."

"November was great for us. Anytime we can take those 2 big scalps is great..."- Paul O'Connell, @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/gCrJugP8Nm

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 28, 2015

Ireland's

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The competition gets underway on Friday February 6.

Both Ireland teams begin their tournaments away to Italy. The women’s team play on Friday at 7pm while O’Connell’s men play their first match on Saturday February 7 at 3.30pm.

1 trophy. 6 teams. 9 days to go. #rbs6nations pic.twitter.com/ANLyOfUPDR

— Guinness Men's Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) January 28, 2015