The Caps
One of the most treasured possessions of a Ross Shield Representative.
All organisations need to progress, make improvements and change. Without this the spirit and quality would wither and die.
Ross Shield has been operating almost continuously since 1902 so it has seen many changes over those years that make it the memorable and strong tournament it is today.
Past innovations include:
The History of the Caps
The Emblem
In 1984 it was decided to create a more vivid impression to the public and place before them, and the players, a symbol that epitomised what the Ross Shield Tournament stands for. It was felt that a stylised emblem would fit this pattern and also perhaps be perpetuated in the future at successive tournaments.
Because that year was also a special year in Hastings, as well as for Hawke’s Bay Rugby, the Tournament Committee decided to arrange a re-union of ex-Ross Shield players and thought it fitting that this emblem be embroidered into cloth badges and presented to every participating player in the 1984 tournament.
The emblem was basically designed whilst sitting around a kitchen table and amid much discussion and drawing it was developed into its present form.
Being black on white it reflects the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union’s traditional colours and when printed on various tints of papers it could also symbolise the various Sub-Unions. The cloth badge has the five colours of all Sub-Unions incorporated.
The central feature is of course the shape which is indicative of the Ross Shield for which all players have strived so valiantly for since 1902 and will continue to do so in the future. Placed above the Shield is the unique Ross Shield cap, an item which is highly prized by those who gain one.
These caps have changed over the years due to different manufacturers and choice of colours. In 1944 no money was available for the usual caps, so Mrs Yule, the mother of one of the Hastings players, donated a black felt dress that was cut up and made into the Hastings caps, so the team could have their token of their selection.
The Central Hawke’s Bay cap has changed colour as has Dannevirke’s and some have changed shape to have a peak and a tassel. In 1996 the caps had the year and the emblem embroidered for the first time.
Placed prominently in the shield are the oval ball and the goalposts that clearly identify the sport with which the words “Ross Shield” are associated. On the left side of the posts are symbolic trees and bush representing the rural aspect of the province, and on the right side are symbolic factories and buildings indicating the towns and cities of Hawke's Bay.
So far we have found that the emblem has been readily recognised and has been prominently displayed and used in all promotional displays.