Rugby: Southland accept two Shield challenges

Southland are putting the Ranfurly Shield on the line against North Otago and Wanganui next year. Photo / Getty Images

Southland have accepted two Ranfurly Shield challenges ahead of next year's Air NZ Cup rugby competition.

They are to put the Shield on the line against Heartland provinces North Otago and Wanganui in Invercargill on July 9 and 23 respectively.

Southland won the shield for the first time in 50 years when they beat Canterbury this year.

Wanganui won the Heartland Meads Cup final this year while North Otago were crowned Lochore Cup champions.

"As Meads Cup winners, Wanganui automatically earned the right to challenge, leaving one compulsory challenge spot open. We at Rugby Southland felt that our (Super 14) franchise partnership and traditional pre-season fixture with Lochore Cup winners North Otago, made the first challenge a given," Rugby Southland chief executive Roger Clark said.

Both challenges are being played on a Friday to ensure minimal disruption to Southland's club competition.

- NZPA