The Ranfurly Shield, which was taken from Canterbury by Southland in October, was proudly on display at the Westpac tent yesterday, to the delight of rugby enthusiasts.
The Log o' Wood was given the royal treatment, perched on a chair and on a velvet cloth, with its own security guard.
Former Southland rugby manager Murray Heath said current manager Leicester Rutledge was volunteering at The Hills this week and the idea of bringing the shield to the New Zealand Open occurred to Mr Heath on Wednesday.
"Leicester is my best mate . . . I gave him a call [on Wednesday] to say wouldn't it be great to have the shield up here. He said, `It's in the car on the way up'."
Securing the shield for a short appearance at the Open was no mean feat.
It has been booked for appearances almost solidly since the Stags took possession of it four months ago.
"It's totally booked out. Leicester and the team have made sure it's got out and about. It's the most photographed thing [in Southland]."
And more than a few eyebrows were raised yesterday when a couple of Otago Daily Times staffers were allowed the privilege of holding it.
One had the excuse of being from Southland - the other wished he was.
