Tower of London stands guard over International Rugby's newest silverware ahead of Nations Championship Finale

International rugby's newest prizes and silverware have received the highest level of security in London, as preparations get underway for the final set of Nations Championship fixtures that culminate in the first of its kind Finals Weekend, which takes over London this November.

The Nations Championship Trophy and Hemisphere Shield were placed under guard at the iconic Tower of London, prior to one of the world’s sporting capitals welcoming the twelve strongest international teams in rugby, and over 240,000 fans, who will turn London into a three-day festival of sport and entertainment during the Finals Weekend.

The Tower of London is one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, home to the Britain’s most precious treasures. The two pieces of sporting silverware took centre stage alongside the Tower's famous Yeoman Warders, in the same week that international rugby teams began to be announced and start their preparations for a full month of international rugby this November.

The silverware was joined by Chief Yeoman Warder Paul Langley and Yeoman Warder Emily Lewis-Garwood, both passionate rugby fans. Langley already has his tickets secured for England's Round Six clash with New Zealand on Saturday 21 November, while Lewis-Garwood previously played rugby during her time in the Royal Army Medical Corps.

Chief Yeoman Warder Paul Langley said, “As a lifelong rugby fan, it’s really exciting to welcome the Nations Championship trophies to the Tower of London. We’re used to looking after some of the nation’s most treasured possessions, so it’s fantastic to see these impressive pieces of silverware here. I’ve already got my tickets for England against New Zealand and can’t wait to see the action unfold!”

The striking imagery comes as the Nations Championship prepared to resume with Round 4 of the Northern Series, which includes Ireland hosting Argentina, Scotland facing New Zealand, and England up against fierce rivals, Australia. Following the first set of fixtures in July, it is all even between the two groups of teams representing their respective hemispheres, setting the scene for the November Series, where teams will compete to earn points that dictate group standings and opponents for the Finals Weekend. 

The tournament will culminate in a spectacular Finals Weekend at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham, from 27–29 November, when all 12 nations descend on London for three days of blockbuster international rugby.

With 260,000 fans expected across the weekend, the stage is set for a historic showdown as the Northern and Southern Hemispheres go head-to-head and the inaugural Nations Championship winners are crowned.