Or will the Hammers deliver one of the all-time shocks in Ranfurly Shield history? Two Heartland Championship teams will get a crack at the coveted Log o’ Wood this season. The Otago Rugby Football Union has offered both a challenge at the shield and has locked in dates. Assuming Otago defend the shield against their neighbours, they will face another challenge from Mid Canterbury in Alexandra on Friday, July 24. Otago claimed the Ranfurly Shield with a stirring 38-36 win over Canterbury in Christchurch in September.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 10, 2026 01:51 UTC