However, both namesakes started out differently, the town having another name and the trophy — known as the Log o’ Wood — initially celebrating a different code.
In 1901 the Earl, who was the Governor of New Zealand, announced he would present a cup to the New Zealand Rugby Football Union but the shield given to the NZRFU was designed for association football, not rugby, and the picture in the centrepiece was a soccer one. Displaying the Kiwi ingenuity the nation would become known for goal posts were added to the soccer goal to create a rugby scene.
The town of Ranfurly was originally known as Eweburn and was renamed for the Earl in 1898 when he visited the town on the newly opened railway line.
Not that any of the history troubled anyone this week as the Log o’ Wood was taken around regional Otago to be photographed and admired by fans after a thrilling weekend for rugby fans.
On Saturday Otago men beat Canterbury 38-36 to win the shield and the next day Otago Spirit won their home final 37-12 against Northland Kauri, to take the Farah Palmer Cup and promotion to the premiership.
On Tuesday the trophies were in Maniototo, while Central Otago had a chance to get up close and personal with both trophies yesterday.
To ensure the shield stays in Otago until next season the team will have to beat North Harbour on Saturday.
