Rugby: Canterbury accepts Shield challenges

Ranfurly Shield holders Canterbury have accepted two non-mandatory challenges, from third division champions Wairarapa-Bush and neighbours South Canterbury, next season.

The two games are in addition to the challenges that will be part of the first two rounds of the new expanded Air New Zealand Cup competition.

Canterbury's home matches that double as shield challenges are against Southland, Otago and Counties-Manukau in the first round.