Ranfurly Shield
/ˌranfəːli ˈʃiːld/noun NZ
A rugby union trophy competed for annually by teams from New Zealand’s provinces: it had been 44 years since the Ranfurly Shield had been in their possession [as modifier]: he captained Canterbury to a Ranfurly Shield victory in 1953...
- His runaway try down the terrace touchline in the dying stages is now a piece of Ranfurly Shield folklore.
- Then there was the incredible run of Ranfurly Shield near-misses.
- The rest of that season, Taranaki defended the Ranfurly Shield six more times.
Origin
Early 20th century: from the name of the Earl of Ranfurly, who donated the trophy in 1902.