The Ranfurly Shield went through 10 challenges in the 2009 season, changing hands twice, and was held by Southland at the conclusion of the season. Wellington started off their 2009 Ranfurly Shield campaign with easy wins over Heartland teams Wairarapa Bush (90–19) and Wanganui (61–6).Wellington had their first challenge against an Air New Zealand Cup team when they defeated Otago on 31 July by 23 points to 19. Their second challenge was on 22 August against Auckland, winning 16 points to 15. Wellington's last game as owner of the shield was on 29 August, a 36-14 loss to Canterbury.