The Raeburn Shield is a hypothetical shield (hopefully not for too much longer) which harks back to the very first game of international rugby union.

Basically it is won in the same way a boxing title is, the winner claims it off the holder.

The first game ever was Scotland Vs England at Raeburn Place, Scotland (hence the name) in 1871 and the winner took the shield, this has continued to be won and lost untill today and is similar to NZ's Ranfurly Shield (except it is always on the line home or away)

New Zealand holds it now and next defence is against South Africa.

There are a number of benefits to this such as:

• providing a serious focus between World Cups;

• reducing the incidence of nations fielding under-strength teams in test matches;

• providing a trophy which non-top tier nations have a realistic chance of winning;

For a full write up see here.

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