On 3 October 1983, Cheviot born Canterbury Rugby Player Robbie Deans becomes the highest scorer of the 79 years of the Ranfurly Shield with 187 points from 13 games.
Future coach for both the Crusaders and the All Blacks, Robbie was from proud stock. He was not only from a great Canterbury pioneering family but his Great Uncle – Bob Deans – had worn the Black Jersey during the All Blacks first international tour in Britain in 1905. Robbie’s brother Bruce Deans also played for Canterbury and the All Blacks in the late 1980’s.
The Ranfurly Shield is the trophy of New Zealand’s Domestic Rugby Union competition. It got its name from the New Zealand Governor, the Earl of Ranfurly as it was he who presented it at the first competition match between Auckland and Wellington in 1904.
Canterbury is in second place for the most successful defence matches in its 110 years history.
For a more in depth look at the history of the Deans’ history with Rugby: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/
