SANZAR has unveiled the trophies that will be presented to the respective Super Rugby Conference Winners in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
The South African trophy will make its first appearance on Boots 'n ' All on SuperSport on Thursday this week.
Our image shows an artists impression of the South African Conference winners trophy.
The Reds have already been confirmed as the Australian Conference winners, whilst the New Zealand and South African Conference winners will be determined during this weekend 's final round of regular competition.
The expansion of the Super Rugby tournament from 2011 will see the introduction of a "family" of silverware including a brand new Super Rugby champions trophy, to be presented on 9 July, as well as the three Conference winners ' trophies.
The new Super Rugby champions trophy will be unveiled in the next few weeks.
"With the introduction of a Conference system it was pertinent that the respective winners be presented with a trophy for their achievements," said SANZAR CEO, Greg Peters.
"It also creates a further opportunity for the title sponsors in each country to leverage their association with the tournament.
"The new Finals format, with six teams involved, also means that a non-Conference winner could claim overall honours and the Super Rugby champions trophy".
The trophies were designed by leading Sydney-based consultancy, Blue Sky, and manufactured by Box and Dice, a specialised prototype and production company, also based in Sydney.
The two companies have worked on a number of multi-award winning design projects, amongst them the Sydney 2000 Olympic Torch.
Design agencies in each of the three SANZAR countries submitted proposals.
"The chosen trophy design reflects the core elements of Rugby - tradition, physical toughness, camaraderie, and skill," said Peters.
The shape of the trophy is cantered around three curved legs, representing the three Conferences.
The Conference trophies contain panels inside the legs that correspond to the respective country; gold for Australia, black for New Zealand, and green for South Africa.
The legs of the trophy reach upward referencing the arms of players in a lineout, and the legs also create the shape of a rugby ball in the centre of the trophy. The top of each trophy has cup to allow for the tradition of a celebratory drink.
The trophies were made using the latest materials and manufacturing processes to create the refined detail and precise forms of the design.
