New Zealand Rugby says it's "deeply disappointed" and has launched an investigation into circumstances around the damage to the Ranfurly Shield.
Hawke's Bay won the prized Log O' Wood off Wellington on Saturday.
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union says a player dropped the shield on a concrete floor on Sunday morning, splitting it in two.
There are also images circulating online of white powder on the shield, which is part of NZR's review.
New Zealand Rugby has taken back possession of the shield, which it says is a taonga of the game.
We'll hear from the Hawke's Bay Union boss in a moment, but first here's Felix Walton.
Hawke's Bay Rugby Union CEO Jay Campbell says it's a very disappointing situation for the side.
