Ranfurly Shield
The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is a trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First played for in 1904, the Shield is based on a challenge system. The holding union must defend the shield in challenge matches, which are usually played at the shield holder's home venue, and if the challenger is successful in their challenge they will become the new holder of the Shield. There is a tradition for the first challenges of a new rugby season to be played against smaller associations from the Heartland Championship.
| Ranfurly Shield | |
|---|---|
| Sport | Rugby union |
| Presented by | New Zealand Rugby Union |
| Type | Provincial challenge trophy |
| First contested | 1904 |
| Current holder | Hawke's Bay |
| Official website | provincial.rugby/ranfurly-shield |
| Current season | 2024 |
Although the professional era of rugby has seen other competitions, such as the NPC and Super Rugby, detracting from the pre-eminence of the Ranfurly Shield, many regard it as the greatest prize in New Zealand domestic rugby. This is mainly due to its long history, the fact that every challenge is a sudden-death defence of the Shield, and that any team has a chance to win.
The Shield is currently held by Hawke's Bay, who claimed it from Wellington on 30 September 2023.