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The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is a trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First played for in 1904, the Shield is based on a challenge system. The holding union must defend the shield in challenge matches, which are usually played at the shield holder's home venue, and if the challenger is successful in their challenge they will become the new holder of the Shield. There is a tradition for the first challenges of a new rugby season to be played against smaller associations from the Heartland Championship.
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Scott Cowan is a New Zealand rugby union player who plays as a halfback for the Southland Stags. He is the younger brother of All Blacks halfback, Jimmy Cowan.
Robert Blair Robinson is a professional rugby union player who represents Toyota Industries Shuttles Aichi in the Japan.
James Douglas Patersonborn in Christchurch, New Zealand) is a former rugby union player with dual United States and New Zealand citizenship. Paterson played Super Rugby for the Highlanders between 2010 and 2011. Paterson played for the United States at the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Neria Fomai is a rugby union player, who currently plays as a centre or wing for Hawke's Bay in New Zealand's domestic National Provincial Championship competition and for Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby. He was born and raised in New Zealand, but has represented Manu Samoa – for which he is eligible due to his Samoan heritage – both in the fifteen-a-side form of the game and rugby sevens.
References
- ↑ "Southland end 50 years without Ranfurly Shield". Stuff. New Zealand. 22 October 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ↑ Savory, Logan (14 November 2009). "Hall sees upside in nine-month break". Stuff. New Zealand. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
- ↑ Savory, Logan (25 February 2010). "Hall to tackle old club's revival". Stuff. New Zealand. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
