Ranfurly Shield 2025

The story so far

Taranaki held the Ranfurly Shield going into August, when Northland were set to challenge at Yarrow Stadium.^{2 Aug 2025} Waikato beat Taranaki 23-22 at Yarrow Stadium on 23 August, with a late penalty goal from Lima Sopoaga, to take the shield.^{23 Aug 2025} Canterbury beat Southland 54-14 in Invercargill on 6 September, ending the Stags' six-day reign, the shortest in the trophy's history. Canterbury then defended the shield against Tasman.^{6, 14 Sep 2025}

What's next

The stories say Otago's win effectively keeps the shield with them until next season.^{27 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 23 Aug 2025Waikato beat Taranaki 23-22 with a late penalty, taking the shield.
2. 31 Aug 2025Southland beat Waikato 25-10 in Hamilton, ending Waikato's hold.
3. 6 Sep 2025Canterbury beat Southland 54-14, ending the shortest reign in history.
4. 20 Sep 2025Otago came from 36-21 behind, with a player sin-binned, to win 38-36.
5. 27 Sep 2025Otago beat North Harbour 41-26 to retain the Ranfurly Shield.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.