Fans flock to greet Northland after historic Ranfurly Shield win over Canterbury

“Just taking all this in and seeing all these people and tamariki here. This is what we are all about as a team, inspiring the next generation and representing Northland.”

Taniwha captain Rivez Reihana proudly displays the Ranfurly Shield. Photo / Karina Cooper

He said having a crowd of fans greet them at the airport was humbling and reflected the pride Northlanders had in the team.

It’s not lost on the players, Reihana said, and he knows it will inspire them to achieve their best.

Reihana urged supporters to turn out for August 30’s shield defence against Tasman at Semenoff Stadium.

“Everybody, get down there, we need you.”

Taniwha captain Rivez Reihana talks to media at Whangārei Airport. Photo / Karina Cooper

Te Aroha Dunn took a call from Ngātiwai leader Huhana Lyndon straight after the match asking what could be done to welcome the team home.

Dunn put out a call on social media for people to gather at the airport for a haka.

“We just wanted to show them how much this means to all of Northland. This has got everybody really excited.”

Northland’s winning team was welcomed home with a haka and plenty of attention from media and fans. Photo / Karina Cooper The players performed a haka of their own for their fans. Photo / Karina Cooper

Among those first to the airport were Sharon McLeod and her mother Dot Ellery.

“I was not born the last time and we wanted to come to support the team. This is good for Northland,” McLeod said.

Sharon McLeod (left) with mum Dot Ellery and Ollie Fortune and represent three generations of rugby fans. Photo / Karina Cooper

Delwyn Norman and Neville Rudolph were among the next to arrive, with Rudolph saying they had to come to show their support and aroha for the team.

“We played such a solid game and deserved to bring the Log o’ Wood home, back to where it belongs. I wasn’t sure I’d see this again so this is just amazing.”

Sharon McLeod (from left) and her mum Dot Ellery, with Delwyn Norman and Neville Rudolph, were among the first fans to arrive at Whangārei Airport. Photo / Karina Cooper

Huia Rush, sister of Northland and All Blacks Sevens great Eric Rush, was there to welcome home nephews Brady and Rob Rush after their standout performances in Christchurch.

She said Eric was “ecstatic” after the victory and proud of his sons.

Huia Rush (centre) with young whānau members Unaiki Rau (from left), Keeva Edmonds, Kawaii Edmonds, Mervy Edmonds and Manoah Edmonds. Photo / Karina Cooper

Former Spirit Northland chairman and Taniwha No 611 Brent Eastwood was also among those greeting the team.

Eastwood, whose father Bob played for North Auckland and whose son-in-law Alan Craig was part of Thursday night’s side, said the victory was more than rugby and would provide a much-needed lift for the region.

Former Spirit Northland chairman and Taniwha No 611 Brent Eastwood and his 15-month-old grandson Miles Craig, son of Northland player Alan Craig, watch the plane touchdown. Photo / Karina CooperMiles Craig, son of Northland player Alan Craig, at the airport with grandmum Jane Walter. Photo / Karina Cooper

Far North Mayor Moko Tepania said the win was a proud moment for Northland.

“The Far North has produced some of New Zealand’s greatest rugby players, and last night was another reminder of the talent, determination and heart that comes from the top of the country.

“The messages of support from around the motu have been incredible and show just how proud people are to see the shield come home.”

The Manaia U11 team – front row, from left: Mason Brown, Fox Wood, Tyson Young, Alex Murphy, Ollie Fortune, Goldie Wood and Carter Johnson. Back, from left: James Johnson, Conan Brown, Paddy Wood and Brock Johnson. Photo / Karina CooperLorraine Maugham, nicknamed Super Rugby Granny, before welcoming the players home. Photo / Karina Cooper

Tepania was keen to help Northland Rugby celebrate the win next week and wanted to see the moment marked across the district.

Whangārei Mayor Ken Couper said the win was a “fantastic result” for Northland.

“This is a historic achievement that has given our whole community something to celebrate.”

Council had offered support to Northland Rugby and would take their lead once the team returned to Whangārei.

Penny and Scott Burdett don their team shirts ready to welcome home the winning players and the Ranfurly Shield. Photo / Karina Cooper

Kaipara Mayor Jonathan Larsen congratulated the team on their “outstanding win”.

“It’s a result that will inspire all our young players in Kaipara and give rugby supporters plenty to celebrate.”

One of North Auckland’s 1978 Ranfurly Shield winners, Phil Halse, said the Log o’ Wood remained one of New Zealand rugby’s most treasured prizes.

“It’s one thing that you train hard for and you’ve certainly got to celebrate it when you win it.”

Phil Halse, who was part of the 1978 shield-winning North Auckland side, says the gap between wins makes this week’s victory all the more special. Photo / NZME

Halse said generations of Northlanders had never experienced the excitement of seeing the shield back home.

“It shows how hard it is to win it. We’ve had some very, very good teams who didn’t win.”

He expected the win would cause a frenzy in Northland and triple home crowds, with the lack of previous wins making victory more special.

Fans line the airport fence and windows waiting for the team’s plane to touch down. Photo / Karina Cooper

“It will still have the same feeling it did 50 years ago. A couple of generations have never felt excitement like this before – it’s great.”

Kahu Sutherland, who played in the last North Auckland team to hold the shield in 1978, said Thursday’s victory would stay with the current side forever.

“We absolutely whooped them. It was such an impressive win.”

Kahu Sutherland played in the last North Auckland team to hold the shield in 1978. Photo / Karina Cooper

He said he knew before kickoff that the big upset was on the cards.

“Running out I saw Rob Rush and the look in his eyes, the focus you could see in him was special and you could see how it motivated the whole team.”

Sutherland said the win will stay with players forever and they will always be known as shield winners.

He still keeps a reminder of North Auckland’s last shield triumph.

“I’ve still got a piece of the dirt from the sprigs of my playing boots. It’s in a bag in my drawer. It’s turned to dust, but I’ll keep it forever.”