Northland claims Ranfurly Shield after 48-year drought with win over Canterbury
Northland defeated Canterbury 36-12 to win the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 1978.
Northland won the Ranfurly Shield on Thursday night, defeating Canterbury 36-12 in Christchurch. The victory ends a 48-year wait for the shield to return to the region. The team arrived back at WhangÄrei airport on Friday morning to emotional celebrations from crowds welcoming them home with the Log o' Wood.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Newstalk ZB
Wednesday 19 August 2026: Northland Captain Rivez Reihana on their Ranfurly Shield match tomorrow against Canterbury
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 19 August 2026, tomorrow night Northland are set to take on Canterbury for the Ranfurly Shield at One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.
Stuff
Canterbury v Northland – Ranfurly Shield
Follow live coverage of the NPC round 4 clash between Canterbury and Northland in Christchurch.
NZ Herald
Canterbury v Northland: Ranfurly Shield live updates from clash in Christchurch
Follow the action as Canterbury put the Ranfurly Shield on the line against Northland.
Newstalk ZB
Canterbury v Northland: Ranfurly Shield live updates from clash in Christchurch
The Ranfurly Shield is heading north.
Otago Daily Times
Northland stun Canterbury to claim Ranfurly Shield
Newstalk ZB
A merry dance around the provinces (20 August 2026)
Celebratory calls hit the Marcus Lush hotline tonight as Northland win the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 1978.
1News
Northland ends near 50-year Ranfurly Shield drought
Northland claimed the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 1978.
RNZ
Emotional scenes in WhangÄrei as Northland touch down with Ranfurly Shield
The Ranfurly Shield has touched down in WhangÄrei, returning the Log o' Wood to the region for the first time in 48 years.
NZ Herald
Listen to The Country: Ian Jones on Northlandâs historic Ranfurly Shield win
Today: Colin Hurst, Kelvin Wickham, Shane Gillooly, Ian Jones, and Chris Brandolino.
1News
Crowds welcome Northland Taniwha home after Ranfurly Shield win
The team returned to Northland today carrying the Log o' Wood after ending a 48-year wait for the shield with a commanding 36-12 win in Christchurch on Thursday.
Stuff
âUnreal scenesâ as Northland and Ranfurly Shield land at WhangÄrei airport
There were emotional scenes at WhangÄrei airport on Friday morning as the Ranfurly Shield returned to Northland for the first time in 48 years.
NZ Herald
Listen to The Country: Dr Jacqueline Rowarth on the cost of food fraud
G McCallum, M Patterson, Dr J Rowarth, A McDonnell, M Kelly, C Butcher-Herries, P Duncan.