Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

It’s the end of an era in Welsh rugby and the beginning of a new one as the Millennium Stadium sign has been taken down from the iconic venue in readiness for its reincarnation as Principality Stadium.

Come the Six Nations, the Cardiff ground will be known by its new name as part of a 10-year naming rights partnership between the WRU and the Principality Building Society.

The removal of the 5ft x 45ft metallic Millennium sign, which has been a highly visible fixture on the eastern façade of the stadium since 1999, is a symbolic step in that transformation.

Related:The 23 best rugby stadiums in the world

Commenting on the partnership for the first time, new WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said: “We are delighted to be entering into this long-term partnership with such a well-regarded Welsh business, which shares similar values to us in wanting to develop Welsh rugby at all levels.”

The stadium will complete its transformation and become the Principality Stadium in January 2016, with an official logo to be unveiled next month and a launch event planned for the New Year.

Related: Why the Principality stadium deal makes good business sense

Wales’ championship clash with Scotland on Saturday, February 13 will be the first event held at the newly renamed ground and is already sold out. This week it has also been announced that Rihanna will perform at Principality Stadium in June as part of her world tour.

So, what happens to the old sign?

A spokesman for the stadium said there were no firm plans for the letters and logo at the moment, but they were being kept safely at the stadium.

He said: "We have a heritage centre where they will be kept as they are a significant part of the history of the building."

Related:Everything you need to know about the Millennium Stadium naming rights deal