The Southbridge Shield returns in big day for Country rugby

After a Covid enforced hiatus, the Southbridge Shield will be contested once again, with North Canterbury and Ellesmere’s representative sides set to meet at Lincoln Domain on Saturday.  

With U16, U18, Colts, Development and Seniors fixtures, it promises to be a great representation of the best of the best Country Rugby has to offer. 

For the first time since World War 2, the Southbridge Shield was not challenged in 2020 or 2021, meaning North Canterbury will be motivated to ensure that they can get their hands back on the trophy.  

Originally gifted in 1923, the Shield was originally contested amongst six different sub-unions, with Malvern, Ellesmere, North Canterbury, Peninsula, Hurunui and Ashburton competing on a challenge shield basis.  

As the sub-unions amalgamated, it eventually came down to Ellesmere and North Canterbury battling it out for supremacy and ownership of the shield, with both sides experiencing success over the years. 

While North Canterbury held the wood over Ellesmere for most of the 1980’s and 90’s, Ellesmere have had the better of the runs in recent years, although the shield has consistently chopped and changed in the last 5 years.   

The Seniors match will also double as their Tane Norton Trophy fixture, with North Canterbury needing a win to stay in contention to take the title, following a win last weekend against the Cantabrians.