RANFURLY SHIELD

In 1902 Auckland became the first holders of the Shield because in that year it had the best record of any Provincial Union (the blue and whites were unbeaten that year). In 1904 the first challenge was held and Wellington became the first side to win a Shield challenge.

Since that first match, there have been more than 600 contests at grounds all around the country, every Provincial Union has challenged for the Shield but only 17 have held it and Shield Fever continues unchecked as the Shield inspires and unifies communities like no other trophy in New Zealand sport.

The Earl of Ranfurly, who donated the Shield, was the Patron of the then-New Zealand Rugby Football Union and Governor of New Zealand. The original prize was to be a cup but on its unveiling was discovered to be a shield, with a centerpiece showing an association football match. The Shield then underwent the first of a series of upgrades throughout its history, before being presented to Auckland.

Winners’ names are traditionally engraved on small shields, along with the years in which they held the Shield. In 2012 the last of these shields was filled in when Waikato lifted the Shield, so the whole set was replaced to allow room for more winners in the future as well as recognizing those teams who have held it.

Shield Fever run rampant in 2013 as Otago lifted the coveted ‘log ‘o wood’ for the first time since 1957. Hawke’s Bay also tasted success with their first Shield success since 1969. But the holders of the Shield at the end of the year were first time holders Counties-Manakau. In 2014, Hawke’s Bay wrested the Shield back from Counties-Manukau and went on to face 11 challengers before losing the prize to Waikato in the final challenge of 2015.

Waikato saw off six tough defences, including a draw with Taranaki before losing the Shield to Canterbury in late 2016. Canterbury’s reign also lasted six defences before being stunned by Taranaki in one of the all-time great Ranfurly Shield clashes. After trailing 31-7, Taranaki stormed back to win 55-43 and lift the Shield for the first time since 2012.

There was more movement in 2018 with Taranaki and Waikato enjoying stints throughout the season before Otago finished as eventual holders.

In 2019, Otago held it for the majority of the season. Holding off challenges from Thames Valley, North Otago, Southland, Manawatu, Taranaki and Waikato, before losing it to Canterbury 35-25. Canterbury defended the Shield against North Harbour 31-25 and locked it up for the summer.

In 2020 Canterbury were defeated in their first challenge of the NPC by Taranaki losing by 23-22, then 8 Days later Otago travelled to Inglewood for Taranaki’s first defence and took the opportunity winning 30-19 to take the Shield on a quick return trip to the South Island albeit this time a bit further South to Dunedin. The Hawkes Bay came to town seven Days later to face Otago’s first defence and smash and grab it was with Hawkes Bay winning  by 28-09 ;  Hawkes Bay then had 3 Defenses against Northland (Won 33-17), Manawatu (Won 47-12) and Wellington (Won 34-18). 

In 2021 Hawkes Bay begin their defence against Heartland Champions from 2019 North Otago at McLean Park , and if they get past this Hurdle they then play Ngati Porou East Coast who are celebrating their Centenary in 2021 in what will be their first challenge since 2013 and their first against Hawkes Bay since 1968.

In 2022 after 14 defences Hawkes Bay were finally topple by 12-19 by Wellington who won their first challenge match since 2008, while after Several defences Wellington relinquished it back to Hawkes Bay on the 30th Sept. 2023 losing 24-25.

In 2023 the Shield was restored over nine months by Tri Peek in Waikanae, Wellington, who had been repairing the trophy for several years before the full restoration decision. The original Oak shield was replaced with English Oak from the Hutt Valley in New Zealand, seasoned for 5 years. The badges, already recently replaced in 2012 were moved to the new shield.^[8]

The old Shield, which had gradually become worn down by 118 years of handling and an untold number of celebrations, has been blessed and decommissioned by NZ Rugby Māori cultural adviser Luke Crawford, recognising its status as a taonga in rugby. The replacement shield was accidentally broken after being dropped on a concrete floor in September 2023 just after Hawke’s Bay had won it from Wellington.

Canterbury won the Shield from Southland on 6 September 2025, setting a new record of the highest number of successful Ranfurly Shield challenges (17 wins).

Otago won the Shield from Canterbury on 20 September 2025,to hold it for the first time since 2019, When they  lost it to Canterbury.

The Win was Otago’s first Challenge Victory over Canterbury since 1948.

Ranfurly Shield Records

Team records