WATCH: Ranfurly Shield left badly damaged after accidental drop
The Ranfurly Shield in all its glory and All Black Folau Fakatava with it after it was broken recently.
Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union’s recent celebrations following their Ranfurly Shield victory over Wellington on Saturday has left the famous trophy badly damaged.
Video footage has emerged on the internet of All Blacks scrum-half Folau Fakatava, who represents Hawke’s Bay in the National Provincial Championship and the Highlanders in Super Rugby Pacific, holding the broken Ranfurly Shield.
Authenticity of video confirmed
Hawke’s Bay chief executive Jay Campbell confirmed the authenticity of the online video and the damage done to the trophy.
“Having taken some time to understand from those present what has happened, this was a genuine accident which occurred this morning when a player has unfortunately dropped the Shield onto a concrete kitchen floor,” he told 1News in New Zealand.
“Hawke’s Bay Rugby and our players understand the significance of this special taonga (treasure) and its unique place within NZ rugby including our own rich history. Everyone involved is incredibly upset and devastated by what has happened, especially as it was a genuine accident.”
Looks like Hawkes Bay had a fun night with the shield pic.twitter.com/D4M0KfTADi
— Jamie Wall (@JamieWall2) October 1, 2023
Campbell also denied that Fakatava was responsible for the damage to the Ranfurly Shield and confirmed that the Napier-based union would pay to have it fixed.
“We are very disappointed that a video has being shared on social media and can confirm that the individual in the video is not responsible for the damage,” he said.
“Posting on social media is not appropriate given the seriousness of this situation and we will be speaking with our team. Hawke’s Bay Rugby takes full responsibility for the damage and will immediately begin the process of repair.”
Shield underwent major restoration project recently
In August, the Ranfurly Shield underwent a major restoration project and the new shield – made from from English Oak – was unveiled.
The Ranfurly Shield was first played for in 1904, and the competition for the Log O’ Wood – as it is colloquially known – is based on a challenge system.
The holding union must defend the shield in challenge matches, which are usually played at the shield holders’ home venue, and if the challenger is successful in their challenge they will become the new holder of the Shield.
Saturday’s 20-18 Ranfurly Shield victory over Wellington was a significant result for Hawke’s Bay as it prevented the Lions from retaining the Shield for a second consecutive summer. This, after Wellington had won the Shield from Hawke’s Bay last season.
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