Since Canterbury’s outstanding 54-14 win against Southland two weeks ago, instead of nestling comfortably on a shelf at Rugby Park, the Ranfurly Shield has been in hands throughout our community absorbing the retelling of stories from young and old proving how fiercely the love of rugby continues to flow through Cantabrians blood.

From arriving at Christchurch Airport to some passionate fans wanting to witness it’s return, through to the tumultuous challenge against Tasman on Sunday, the Log o’ Wood has been travelling far and wide across the province.Through schools, club prize giving’s, representative games and standing proudly in the central city for all to join in the celebration and excitement, thousands have felt the weight of one of NewZealand’s most prestigious pieces of rugby history in their hands. For hours, Cantabrians recreated photos with their children from the last time they had seen theShield up close, shared stories of days from Lancaster Park and even a gaggle of visiting Springbok fans who knew about the rich history behind the Shield took photos to show their friends and family back home.

Tony Smail, CRFU CEO, says the pride and excitement felt throughout Canterbury has been enormous, “The pride across Canterbury since winning back the Ranfurly Shield has been incredible. You can feel the buzz everywhere you go, from schools and clubs through to the heart of the city. The Shield has such a rich history, it’s a symbol of our rugby legacy and what it means to be part of this community. Seeing so many people light up when they get to hold it reminds us why Canterbury Rugby is so special”

If it wasn’t clear before the whistle how intense last weekend’sShield challenge against Tasman was going it be, the first ten minutes of play certainly solidified it. From Canterbury centurion Mitchell Drummond scoring the first blood for his new side, to newly capped Louie Chapman replying moments later with a try ending kick and chase, the 4,500 strong crowd in the stands were roaring and the excitement was palpable.

The scoreboard continued to swing back and forward through to the dying minutes until George Bell completed our 24 phases by barrelling through the Tasman defence and over the chalk with Andrew Knewstubb converting, cementing a 31-25 win and the Shield staying in Canterbury for another week.

After last weekend’s huge battle, the challenge thisSaturday stands to be no different with a top of the table clash against Otago.Last time the sides played in a Shield challenge was 2019, with our boys coming out victorious after a 35-25 win and holding tightly onto it for the remainder of the season.

Canterbury have won 18 Ranfurly Shield challenges since its inception in 1902. With more wins any other side, winning against Southland was the first time we have been engraved on the silverware since 2020 before losing it to Taranaki by one just point.

Adding to the occasion, this Saturday is a DOUBLE HEADER with our women taking on Volcanix kicking off at 2:05pm, and we bring together the clubs that are the brickwork of our foundation to the stands for Club Round.

This is a game not to be missed, as we strive to add to our history by retaining the infamous Ranfurly Shield. Be in the stands this Saturday, make some noise and feel the pride and passion first hand watching our teams in red and black!
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See your club for FREE Club Round tickets, or purchase here and be sure to enter your club code so they can fundraise $5 per ticket purchased.