the Raeburn And UTRECHT Shields

Context first: These shields are “official” in that what they represent exists and our campaign is for fans and players to celebrate lineal champions in mens and womens rugby benefiting from the increased interest and corssover interest it brings. This does not mean World Rugby has recognised them but that is also not necessary for us to enjoy them.

The Raeburn Shield (Men’s) and Utrecht Shield (Women’s) are Challenge Trophy’s put up by the current holders, or defenders, in every match they play home or away (in the same manner as a world boxing title).

The winner would either remain or become the holder. 

It stretches back in this manner from the very first games of International Rugby Union for both the mens and womens games and the challenge shields are named after those first matches:

• The first mens international in 1871 between Scotland and England played at Raeburn Place in Edinburgh.

• The first womens international in 1982 between Netherlands and France played In Utrecht

At this stage the shield is building recognition globally with rugby fans and creating a community who believe and engage with the fun of rugby’s lineal world titles.

Scotland and France became the first holders of these mythical shields and they have changed hands many times since then.

a grassroots effort

A concept born on an internet forum in 2008 as fans discussed other ways to define world champions could easily have died there and then as an interesting “statistic of the day” but instead David Algie to take it further and has run with it ever since.

With a determination that this can provide another layer of fun and intrigue Dave has kept at it building a cult internet fanbase for the rugby’s “newest, oldest” shield.

Dave is an expat Kiwi living in the shadow of Twickenham Stadium with his wife and 3 kids (The eldest at 10 has been my shadow on most missions over the years!). With a busy fulltime job this is truly a passion project over many years.

Why should you as a fan care?

These titles give you another major trophy to win, one that connects to the whole history of the sport. We know the power of a world title and the connection that can bring. While this is not the rugby world cup (they are different and complimentary to the lineal world titles) it means we have global competition right through the 4 year cycle. Games that could be percieved as “lower value” suddenly become big ticket items.

Here are some selected highlights:

1. Reclaiming our Rugby Heritage: Adding a whole new level of excitement and history to every match they are involved in these shields would over time add to the historic fabric and occasion of our game..

2. A Love Letter to the Fans: Integrated into the back of the shields is a place for supporters and fans to be engraved in this piece of rugby history alongside celebrating all those who help bring this rugby joy to the game with our “Shield Bearers”

3. Increased Competition: Winning the lineal world title is great, holding onto it is even better. When a team has a shot at taking a world title or holding onto it it adds fierce competition for fans and players alike to enjoy

4. Fun: It feels good when your team is on top of the world and across the Utrecht Shield and Raeburn Shield we have had 14 nations achieve that status.

5. Player Dedication: Players stepping up and pushing their limits, if you have seen Ranfurly Shield fever in domestic NZ rugby imagine this at the international level!

6. Every Match Counts: As a player you may only get one shot at becoming the lineal world champ. Luck plays a big part in if and when you get a challenge so when your time comes you have to take it.

7. Fierce Rivalries: Who has held it the most matches or the longest run matches? So many different metrics of success and all there for us to enjoy the competition

8. Your Voice Matters: This is fan made and led. I (Dave) will always ensure the primary mission is about how we make it more fun for fans and players

9. Global Rugby Community: Connect with rugby fans from all over the world, sharing your passion for the sport and the excitement of the Raeburn and Utrecht Shields.

The journey to physical shields

From the beginning Dave had in his minds eye a solid wood shield with heft and presence on any pitch it was taken.

In 2018 he commissioned a 3D model of the Raeburn Shield to anchor the conversation around actually making this real and sharing the vision. The virtual Utrecht Shield followed in 2020 but went on to become the first one made.

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…

In 2022 Dave flew to Utrecht with his son with the freshly made Utrecht Shield. After an amazing day celebrating with and listening to their stories and insights it was a huge honour to present those trailblazers with the shield that connects them to those playing today.

Since 2022 we have managed to get the Utrecht Shield into the hands of many former players and want to slowly “catch them all”

Now for the mens shield to follow

In 2024 with a strong social following building Dave is on the mission to get the Raeburn Shield made and into the Springboks (at the time of writing the holders) hands.

With them playing wales in June at Twickenham it’s all to play for…

Previous Press

Dave has joined many podcasts over the years and is comfortable to speak on the topic (and more broadly on rugby) at short notice in a friendly and engaging manner.

Dave has also written guest articles and had features in major press placements.

Here are some selected articles: