The 2009 Air New Zealand Cup will be the Wellington Rugby Football Union's 4th consecutive participation in the competition. They are coming off a 2008 placing of 2nd. Last year Wellington lost the final 7–6 at Westpac Stadium. This was after Wellington had won their first nine games including beating Auckland for the Ranfurly Shield. Wellington then lost their final round game to Otago. Despite wins in the quarter and semi finals, Canterbury were too strong in the Grand Final. This was Wellington's 5th loss in a final in 6 years.