An image was shared with what appears to be a white powder on the Ranfurly Shield. Image has been blurred. Photo: Supplied to RNZ
New Zealand Rugby is investigating after an image was shared on social media of white powder on a half of the broken Ranfurly Shield.
The Shield, which was won by Hawke's Bay off Wellington on Saturday, was broken into two pieces in what has been described "an accident" by the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union.
The image shows white powder in lines on the broken half, with the caption: "F*** we broke the Ranfurly".
Hawke's Bay Rugby chief executive Jay Campbell said that the Shield was broken after being dropped on its point on a concrete floor, after the team had been celebrating.
Footage, supplied to RNZ, then emerged of a Magpies player and All Black Folau Fakatava holding both pieces of the broken Shield, which was followed by the picture of the white powder.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) general manager community rugby Steve Lancaster said NZR was aware of significant damage to the Ranfurly Shield and were "deeply disappointed".
"We are also aware of images circulating on social media and, as a result, NZR has launched an investigation to understand what has occurred.
"The Shield has undergone a tremendous amount of restoration work over the past 12 months to ensure it remains a focal point and source of pride for the rugby community."
NZR said it would take possession of the Shield and begin the process of repair and reassess the protocols in place to look after it.
"Our intention is that the Ranfurly Shield remains a part of the community, is enjoyed by those who hold and cared for it as a taonga of our game," Campbell said.
"No one is more disappointed than Hawke's Bay Rugby and those involved.
"For us to be the cause of damage to something that's so unique and special to New Zealand rugby is devastating.
"But ultimately at the end of the day, it was an absolute accident."