Beaming Otago rugby captain Michael Collins led his team through the airport arrival gate shortly after 6pm and raised the coveted shield aloft, as a crowd of several hundred fans erupted.
He told the Otago Daily Times Saturday’s 23-19 victory in Hamilton was still sinking in, but the reception was "unbelievable, mate".
"We always know we’ve got pretty special fans down here. To see what it means to the community is pretty special.
The result returned the shield to Otago five years after it was last here, briefly, in 2013.
This time, fans will have all summer to catch a glimpse of the shield, but many were not prepared to wait that long.
Dylan Lloyd (14), of Mosgiel, was among supporters young and old to turn out for the airport welcome.
He said he was an avid fan, loved his rugby, and rated Saturday’s performance as better than the team’s 2013 effort."I think it was probably a better game.
David Tomkinson, father of Otago back Sio Tomkinson, was also on hand yesterday to lift the shield proudly above his head.
He said the result was "brilliant ... and at least it’s here for the summer, which is special".
Also full of smiles yesterday were lifelong fans — and life members of the Otago Rugby Supporters Club — Elaine (72) and Jim Shanks (69).
"It was pretty emotional," Mr Shanks said of Saturday’s win.
"It’s great for Otago and great for the guys," Mrs Shanks added.
