Emotional scenes in Whangārei as Northland touch down with Ranfurly Shield

The return of the Ranfurly Shield to Northland, for the first time in 48 years, saw Taniwha faithful flock to Whangārei airport to welcome their team home on Friday afternoon.

Northland players were greeted with a haka from the crowd and a speech from Whangarei mayor Ken Couper as they showed off the Log o' Wood they lifted with a 36-12 victory over Canterbury on Thursday night.

More than 100 fans, including school students and some long-standing fans who have followed the team for decades, filled the airport to overflowing.

So many fans were keen to be there that the airport carpark was eventually closed with queues of cars lining the road outside the airport.

On arriving home, outside back Jade Stewart was emotional with the reception the team received.

"Must of been cutting onions everybody, never had something like that to be greeted like that is unreal."

Assistant coach Robbie Abel was also blown away with the support.

"It's been unreal today. I think going into the game we knew how important it would be for our people, our community to get a result, and to bring the Shield back.

"But to actually be able to do it, and for our boys to deliver a performance like they did, it's just been awesome."

Abel was not sure what other celebrations were planned but liked the idea of the Ranfurly Shield touring Te Tai Tokerau.

Northland's first Shield defence is against Tasman on 30 August.