10 Aug 2016

You blew us away: Fans celebrate Hurricanes

9:24 pm on 10 August 2016

A parade to celebrate the Hurricanes' first Super Rugby title has rolled through the capital.

The team won 20-3 over the Lions at Westpac Stadium at the weekend, the first time they had won the competition in 21 seasons.

The parade left Parliament at midday, where Prime Minister John Key turned out for a photo with the team.

Thousands of fans lined the central Wellington streets for the celebration, many dressed in the team's colours of yellow and black.

Long-time fan Mary Bingham said her family had given her a Hurricanes season pass as a present. "What a season, what a birthday present! It's just gone on giving," she said.

"It's been a long time coming - I'm thrilled!"

The team made its way down Lambton Quay and Willis Street, with victory speeches held at Civic Square.

The team were accompanied by a brass band for the occasion, and spent the parade waving to fans, signing autographs and posing for photos.

Some fans waited for more than an hour to see the players, and had travelled from Upper Hutt and Kapiti Coast for the occasion.

One woman told RNZ she had turned up to support the players on a lovely Wellington day.

"If I see TJ [Perenara] and Beauden [Barrett] I'll be absolutely rapt. I love those kids, they're neat."

Hurricanes captain Dane Coles said he was incredibly proud of his team and was thrilled with the turnout for the parade.

The parade was supposed to be held yesterday, but was postponed due to wet and windy weather.

Julian Savea celebrates with fans at the team's parade through Wellington.

Julian Savea celebrates with fans at the team's parade through Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Fans packed Civic Square to celebrate the Hurricanes success.

Fans packed Civic Square to celebrate the Hurricanes success. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

A young fan awaits the Hurricanes arrival in Civic Square.

A young fan awaits the Hurricanes arrival in Civic Square. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Fans show their support for the Hurricanes at today's parade.

Fans show their support for the Hurricanes at today's parade. Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King