David Algie – Founder, Raeburn and Utrecht Shields
“It’s not about making something official. It’s about making something meaningful.”
A fan, a father, a builder of rugby stories
David Algie is a New Zealand-born marketing professional, a father of three, and the creator of the Raeburn and Utrecht Shields. These are two unofficial, fan-driven rugby titles that quietly stitch together every test match ever played.
Originally from Otago and proudly loyal to the Highlanders, All Blacks, and Black Ferns, David now lives near Twickenham Stadium with his English wife and their family. You’ll often spot him filming updates for Shield followers while walking his fox red Labrador, Taika. He’s busy with work, with kids, and with life, but this project is something more.
“This is my way of giving something back. It’s a passion project, but it’s also a legacy. Something for fans and players to share.”
How it started: a question among fans
The idea for the Shields first emerged in 2008 during a late-night chat on a rugby fan forum. David and a few others were playing with stats, tossing around what-ifs.
“We were talking online, running through results and thinking, what if test rugby worked like boxing? What if there was a title that passed from team to team?”
The concept was simple. Winner-stays-on. Beat the champion, become the champion.
“We all agreed it was a good idea but i could see that it could become something bigger, something that created more engagement amongst fan and players for centuries to come.
It wasn’t long before I was the only one still tracking it. But I couldn’t let it go. I believed in what it could be, not as a gimmick, but as a tribute to the sport.”
That belief became the Raeburn Shield for the men’s game, and later the Utrecht Shield for the women’s. Together, they follow every test result from the first matches in 1871 and 1982, creating a legacy that continues with every international played.
“International rugby is at its best when we can all have a chance to win the same prize bringing the spirit of shared competition to all nations”
Fan-driven, not federation-led
Early on, David hoped to share the idea with rugby authorities but soon realised that top-down recognition wasn’t the point(and that the shields were real and existed regardless of World Rugby status).
“World Rugby isn’t the point. The point is the fans, the players, and the joy it brings. This isn’t some concept cooked up for a brand campaign. This is real, and it already belongs to the people who care.”
Over time, the social media channels began celebrating holders, often nations who didn’t win trophies but had that one great day. The response surprised him.
“That’s been one of the unexpected joys. I get to celebrate other nations. I never thought I’d be cheering on Romania or Fiji or the Netherlands, but when they win the Shield, I love it.”
A modest business with a meaningful mission
The Shields are now structured as a small business. This allows for merchandise, supporter involvement, and basic sustainability. But most of the work and funding still come from David himself.
“I’m proud of those who’ve backed it. Some people have paid to have their names engraved on the back of the Shields. That kind of faith? That’s incredible.”
He’s open to sponsorship, but only if it fits the values of the project.
“I’d love a sponsor. But they have to see what this really is. It’s for the fans. It’s for the players. It has to be the right fit.”
Womens Rugby Gets the physical shield first
Ahead of the 40 year celebration since the first womens rugby international in 2022 Dave was lucky to be invited to make the real Utrecht Shield and attend the celebrations.
From the city of Utrecht chipping in 500 euros to amazing craftspeople like Freddie Main of Oak and Black in Edinburgh donating time to craft it the real Utrecht Shield was born. Dave largely self funded and although his family are understanding the extra £7,000 + quoted for metals was too rich and stickers were used in place to keep telling the story…
