Northland fans welcome team home with Ranfurly Shield

Friday 21 August 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated Fri 21 Aug, 5:00pm

In this story NZME, Canterbury, Ken Couper

Supporters gathered at Whangārei Airport on Friday to welcome the Northland rugby team. The team returned to the region following a 36-12 victory over Canterbury, marking the first time the Ranfurly Shield has been held by Northland in 48 years.

How they headlined it

4:11pm5pm

1. Stuff via RNZFri 21 Aug, 4:11pm

   Emotional scenes in Whangārei as Northland touch down with Ranfurly Shield (opens in new tab)

2. NZ HeraldFri 21 Aug, 5:00pm

   Fans flock to greet Northland after historic Ranfurly Shield win over Canterbury (opens in new tab)