| Ranfurly Shield | |
| Website: | https://www.provincial.rugby/ranfurly-shield/ |
| Prevseason: | 1970–1979 |
| Nextseason: | 1990–1999 |
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.
The '80s saw the shield change hands four times among five teams. The decade began and ended with Auckland holding the shield. Notably, Auckland began their record 61 shield defences in 1985.[1]