Emotional scenes in Whangārei as Northland touch down with Ranfurly Shield
The Northland rugby team received a massive homecoming celebration in Whangārei after winning the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 48 years. Hundreds of fans gathered at the airport to welcome the players with a haka and public displays of support.
Why it matters
The Ranfurly Shield is a prestigious trophy in New Zealand rugby, and its return to a region after nearly half a century represents a significant cultural and community milestone.
The return of the Ranfurly Shield to Northland, for the first time in 48 years, saw Taniwha faithful flock to Whangārei airport to welcome their team home on Friday afternoon.
Northland players were greeted with a haka from the crowd and a speech from Whangarei mayor Ken Couper as they showed off the Log o' Wood they lifted with a 36-12 victory over Canterbury on Thursday night.
More than 100 fans, including school students and some long-standing fans who have followed the team for decades, filled the airport to overflowing.
So many fans were keen to be there that the airport carpark was eventually closed with queues of cars lining the road outside the airport.
Northland’s Rivez Reihana poses for a photo with young fans and supporters.
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