New Zealand Rugby has exonerated Hawkes Bay of blame in the treatment of the Ranfurly Shield

NZR's completed its investigation into the treatment of the broken Log Of Wood following the Magpies successful challenge against Wellington last month.

The independently-led investigation has confirmed that the Shield was accidentally dropped by an un-named player.

AND there is insufficient evidence - even with independent testing - to positively identify the unknown white powder on the Shield.

NZR considers the investigation complete.