High-street fashion chain Topman has entirely sold out of red, maroon and salmon-pink chinos with just a week to go until the annual Six Nations tournament kicks off.

The retailer reportedly parted with its final few pairs of the cotton-based trouser when it delivered a bulk order to a property in Clapham on Thursday.

News of the shortage has alarmed rugby fans, and will also cause distress for graduates of St. Andrews University, which is hosting its Alumni Burns Night Ball this weekend.

Six Nations fan Hugo Thatchell-Clinton, 25, who wasn’t able to purchase a pair of the iconic trousers before the lack of stock became clear, told The London Gonzo: “It’s a nightmare scenario. I’ll probably have to watch England vs Ireland from the safety of my own home now – I’ll stick out like a sore thumb in any of the pubs.

“The only other solution is to try and find a pair of nice blue bootcut jeans – they should go really nicely with the black brogues I have.”