That includes Six60 singer and guitarist Matiu Walters, who took his chance at hoisting the Log o’ Wood at his old flat in Castle St, Dunedin, yesterday.
"I’ve never held the Ranfurly Shield before," he said.
"We’re happy for the boys and to be holding the Log o’ Wood."
The shield had been on tour around the region since Otago beat Canterbury 38-36 in an NPC thriller earlier this month.
Supporters from Milton, Balclutha, Alexandra and Wanaka had all been given the opportunity to embrace the shield.
Otago Rugby chief executive Richard Kinley said it was good to get the shield out and about the province.
"The team’s done a fantastic job in winning the shield, and now it’s a chance for us to give back."
The rugby union has tried to visit as many centres as possible so as many people as possible could get their hands on the symbol of domestic rugby supremacy.
It was a special moment when the shield went to the Central Otago home of Forbes Knight, 93, the father of Otago’s most-capped player, Richard Knight.
There was a team signing session at the Meridan Mall last week and the players were taken back with how much interest and excitement there was among the public.
Captain Sam Gilbert said it was amazing how much the shield meant to the community.
"It was awesome to see our biggest turnout of the year on Saturday as well."
If next year’s NPC draw works out, Otago plans to defend the shield against Southland in what will be the 250th meeting between the two provinces in the opening game of the season at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Until then, the shield will continue to tour the region before being locked away for summer.
