Rugby: N Otago, Poverty Bay to challenge Shield

Auckland will take the Ranfurly Shield on the road early in the 2008 rugby season to accept challenges from Poverty Bay and North Otago.

This year's Meads Cup champions North Otago and Lochore Cup winners Poverty Bay both lodged challenges and were delighted the famous rugby trophy would be coming to their province.

"The prospect of having a Ranfurly Shield Challenge in Gisborne against the Air NZ Cup winners Auckland is mouth watering to say the least," Poverty Bay chief executive Neil Alton said.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our players and I'm sure the Gisborne public will make this an unforgettable experience for the Auckland players and management."

The Gisborne match will be played on July 15 while North Otago will host the Aucklanders in Oamaru on July 22.

While not obligated to take on Ranfurly Shield challenges outside of the Air NZ Cup, Auckland chief executive Andy Dalton said they wanted to take it on the road.

- NZPA