Current Holder: Otago
Status: Holding through summer
Days held: 89 days (as of end of 2025 regular season)
Successful defences this season: 1 (North Harbour)
Next challenge: Pre-season 2026 (Challenger TBD)
Otago claimed the Ranfurly Shield in Round 8 of the 2025 NPC season, defeating Canterbury in what became one of the most-watched matches of the year. The Shield will enjoy an Otago summer before being up for challenge in the 2026 pre-season.
2025 Season: The Shield's Epic 2,000km Journey
The Ranfurly Shield travelled over 2,000 kilometres across New Zealand in 2025, changing hands five times in what became one of the most dramatic Shield seasons in recent memory.
The Journey
🏆 Taranaki → Started the season as holders
Defended successfully through early rounds
🏆 Waikato → Won in dramatic one-point victory
Shield on the move after tense finish
🏆 Southland → Stunned Waikato 25-10
First time holding the Shield in 14 years—cue the Invercargill celebrations
🏆 Canterbury → Claimed after busy Southland week
Shield heads to red and black country, defended against Tasman
🏆 Otago → Won in Round 8 challenge
72,000 viewers watched the Shield move south
Why 2025 Was Special
Record-Breaking Viewership
The Canterbury vs. Otago Shield challenge drew 72,000 live viewers on Sky's digital platforms—the most-watched Shield match of the season. Three Shield challenges made the top five viewed games of the year.
Dramatic Results
- Waikato's one-point nail-biter over Taranaki
- Southland's first Shield tenure in 14 years
- Five different holders in one season
- Communities rallying across the country
Broadcast Impact
The Shield's journey helped drive a 9% increase in NPC viewership and a 7% increase in digital audiences year-over-year. When the Shield is on the line, New Zealand watches.
The Trophy's Story
Origins (1902)
The Earl of Ranfurly, Patron of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and Governor of New Zealand, donated the Shield in 1902. Originally intended to be a cup, it was discovered upon unveiling to be a shield—with a centrepiece showing an association football match (later upgraded).
Auckland became the first holders in 1902 with the best unbeaten record. Wellington won the first challenge in 1904, becoming the first side to win the Shield through challenge.
The Challenge System
Unlike knockout trophies, the Shield operates on a challenge basis. The holder must defend against all challengers. Lose once, and the Shield moves on. This creates:
- Mid-week drama as challenge dates loom
- Community anticipation building for weeks
- Instant folklore when the Shield changes hands
- Dynasty-building for successful holders
Winners' Shields
Winners' names are engraved on small shields attached to the main trophy, along with the years held. In 2012, when Waikato lifted the Shield, the last small shield was filled, so the entire set was replaced to allow room for future winners while recognising all past holders.
Modern Shield History (2013-2025)
2013: Historic returns
Otago lifted the Shield for the first time since 1957. Hawke's Bay tasted success for the first time since 1969. First-time holders Counties-Manukau finished the year with the Shield.
2014-2015: Hawke's Bay dominance
Wrested the Shield back from Counties-Manukau, defended against 11 challengers before losing to Waikato in 2015.
2016-2017: Canterbury's reign
Held for six defences before Taranaki's stunning comeback: trailing 31-7, Taranaki stormed back to win 55-43 in one of the greatest Shield matches ever.
2018-2019: Multiple holders
Taranaki, Waikato, and Otago enjoyed stints before Canterbury locked it up for summer 2019.
2020-2023: Extended tenures
Hawke's Bay held through pandemic era, Wellington enjoyed a 7-challenge run, before Hawke's Bay reclaimed it in 2023.
2024: History made
Tasman lifted the Shield for the first time ever, defeating Hawke's Bay 24-25 in a thriller before Taranaki finished the year as holders.
2025: The travelling trophy
Five holders, 2,000+ kilometres travelled, record viewership.
All-Time Records
Team Records
Most consecutive defences
61 defences—Auckland (1985-1993)
Longest tenure
8 years, 10 months, 23 days—Southland (1938-1947)
Shortest tenure
6 days—Hawke's Bay (2013)
Fewest consecutive matches
1 match (9 different times)
Match Records
Highest score
139-5—Auckland v North Otago (1993)
Biggest winning margin
134 points—Auckland v North Otago (1993)
Most tries in a match
23—Auckland v North Otago (1993)
Player Records (Single Match)
Most points
40—John Kirwan, Auckland v North Otago (1993)
Most tries
8—John Kirwan, Auckland v North Otago (1993)
Most conversions
12—Brett Craies (1986), Grant Fox (1991), Glen Jackson (2000), Lachie Munro (2008)
Most penalties
7—Robbie Deans (1984), Cam McIntyre (2003)
Player Career Records
Most matches
57—Grant Fox (Auckland)
Most points
932—Grant Fox (Auckland)
Most tries
53—Terry Wright (Auckland)
Shield Holders: All-Time
Only 17 unions have held the Shield since 1902:
Multiple-time holders:
- Auckland—Most successful Shield holder in history
- Canterbury—Long tenures and multiple eras
- Waikato—Consistent challengers
- Otago—Historic holders
- Hawke's Bay—Strong Shield tradition
- Taranaki—Dramatic challenges
- Wellington—Capital city challenges
- Southland—Longest single tenure (1938-1947)
All-time holders: Auckland, Wellington, Taranaki, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, Manawhenua, Canterbury, Southland, Otago, South Canterbury, North Auckland, Waikato, Marlborough, Manawatu, Bay of Plenty, North Harbour, Counties Manukau, Tasman
Full historical table with dates
What Makes the Shield Special
The Ranfurly Shield is more than a trophy—it's 122 years of rugby history, provincial pride, and community identity. When the Shield comes to your province:
- Schools get time off for the challenge
- Businesses close early to watch
- Entire communities unite behind their team
- Memories are made that last lifetimes
Since 1902: More than 600 contests at grounds all around the country. Every Provincial Union has challenged. The Shield continues to inspire and unify communities like no other trophy in New Zealand sport.
2026: What's Next?
The Ranfurly Shield will be contested throughout the 2026 NPC season, marking 50 years of the modern NPC era.
Current holder: Otago
Pre-season challenges: TBD
2026 season: Who will write the next chapter?