 To date, the only Ranfurly Shield reign (1976–78) was followed by a National Provincial Championship (NPC) victory in 1980.Manawatu were also NPC runner-ups in 1976 and 1981.In the final Ranfurly Shield challenge of the 1978 season Manawatu were leading North Auckland (now named Northland) 10–9 with time up on the clock.