Key information
- Current Holder: Otago
- Status: Holding through summer
- How they won it: Defeated Canterbury on 20 September 2025, 36-38. After being behind at half-time, Otago came back and took the lead in the 67th minute and held off the home team for the win.
- Successful defences in 2025: 1 (v 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.
The Ranfurly Shield's story
Origins (1902)
The Ranfurly Shield is more than a trophy. It's 124 years of rugby history, provincial pride, and community identity.
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 which was later upgraded to create a rugby scene.
When the trophy arrived, it was decided that it would be awarded to the union with the best record in the 1902 season and then be to a challenge system. Auckland, who were unbeaten in 1902, were presented with the Shield. Wellington won the first challenge in 1904, becoming the first side to win the Shield through challenge.
17 unions have held the Shield since 1902: 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, and Tasman.
Canterbury and Auckland have held the Ranfurly Shield the most. Canterbury has won it on 17 occasions (compared to Auckland's 16) and Auckland have successfully defended it on 148 occasions (compared to Canterbury's 142).
The challenge system
Unlike knockout trophies, the Shield operates on a challenge basis. The current holder must defend it against challengers at home games, during the regular season. If the challenger wins, they take possession and then defend it at upcoming home games during the regular season, creating a continuous, travelling trophy that moves whenever a challenger succeeds.
Canterbury and Auckland have held the Ranfurly Shield the most. Canterbury has won it on 17 occasions (compared to Auckland's 16) and Auckland have successfully defended it on 148 occasions (compared to Canterbury's 142).
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.
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.
🏆 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
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.