Southland is obliged to accept two early challenges from Heartland championship teams, and Southland Rugby Football Union chief executive Roger Clark told the Otago Daily Times yesterday North Otago would probably be one of the challengers.
Clark said Southland had to accept a challenge from Wanganui, which won won the Meads Cup in the Heartland championship final on Saturday.
North Otago, as winner of the Lochore Cup on Saturday, was a likely second challenger.
"We have not yet confirmed our challenges for next year but we must give the New Zealand Rugby Union a list for its board meeting on November 15," Clark said.
Once the Air New Zealand Cup starts, all Southland's home games will be Ranfurly Shield challenges.
North Otago Rugby Union CEO Colin Jackson told the Otago Daily Times North Otago had put in a bid for a Ranfurly Shield challenge against Southland.
"The decision would be up to Southland," Jackson said. "We would be thrilled to get a challenge. It would be great for our supporters and our sponsors."
Jackson said Southland's win against Canterbury had given a boost to the Ranfurly Shield and lifted the trophy's profile.
