Ranfurly shield

Gareth recently got his hands on the coveted Ranfurly Shield. Don't feel bad if you've never heard of it - it's only famous in New Zealand. Wikipedia says:

The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is perhaps the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First played for in 1904, the Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. The holding union must defend the Shield in challenge matches, and if a challenger defeats them, they become the new holder of the Shield.

Gareth got to hold the Shield in his hot little hands because his boss's son-in-law is a rugby player for the Canterbury rugby team. Canterbury were the proud holders of the Shield since winning it from Wellington in August. Incredibly, they let the players take the Log O' Wood home and pass it around to their fathers-in-law and, apparently, the in-law's coworkers.

Just days after Gareth got to hold the Shield, Canterbury lost it to Southland. See Southland celebrating. Look how happy they are to have the Shield.