Ranfurly Shield 2026

The story so far

Northland won the Ranfurly Shield by beating Canterbury 36-12, the first time the province had held it in 48 years.^{21 Aug} Fans welcomed the team home at Whangārei Airport.^{21 Aug} Northland defended the Shield with a 34-17 win over Waikato at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, in a match that was halfback Sam Nock's 100th appearance for the team. Counties Manukau then took the Shield by beating Northland 22-19 in Whangārei, with a late penalty from AJ Alatimu deciding the match.^{26 Sep}

Latest

Counties Manukau defended the Ranfurly Shield with a 12-7 home win over Hawke's Bay in Pukekohe, after leading 12-0 at halftime.^{3 Oct} The win means Counties Manukau keep the Shield for the summer.^{3 Oct}

Key moments

1. 21 AugNorthland beat Canterbury 36-12 to win the Shield for the first time in 48 years.
2. 26 SepCounties Manukau won the Shield with a late penalty to beat Northland 22-19.
3. 3 OctCounties Manukau held off Hawke's Bay 12-7 to retain the Shield.

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