| Ranfurly Shield | |
| Website: | https://www.provincial.rugby/ranfurly-shield/ |
| Prevseason: | 1960–1969 |
| Nextseason: | 1980–1989 |
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 Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. The holding union must defend the Shield in challenge matches, and if a challenger defeats them, they become the new holder of the Shield.
Canterbury began the decade as shield holders, and held it two separate times throughout the 1970s. Marlborough notably won their first shield challenge in 1973, and held it for six successful defences before losing it to South Canterbury.[1] [2]