9 Sep 2013

Ranfurly Shield fever hits Manukau

1:37 pm on 9 September 2013

Counties Manukau rugby fans are getting their first glimpse of the Ranfurly Shield as the trophy is paraded around the province.

Counties Manukau team members with the Ranfurly Shield at Westfield Manukau.

Counties Manukau team members with the Ranfurly Shield at Westfield Manukau. Photo: RNZ

The team lifted the coveted trophy from Hawke's Bay on Saturday, beating the home side 27-24 at MacLean Park in Napier.

Hundreds of screaming school children gave the Counties Manukau Steelers a heroes welcome at Manukau Westfield shopping centre on Monday morning.

Parades were also being held in Papakura and Pukekohe.

Coach Tana Umaga says he hopes the younger generation will be inspired by what Counties Manukau has achieved.

Counties Manukau are the third team to hold the shield in as many weeks.

Their first challenge for the trophy is against Taranaki on Sunday.