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Sport | Super Rugby

Highlanders to be welcomed home with parade celebrating Super Rugby championship

The city of Dunedin is preparing to welcome back its champion Highlanders team after taking out the Super 15 championship final against the Hurricanes in Wellington at the weekend.

A parade will be held at today and the team will travel on the back of utility vehicles along Frederick Street and George Street to the Octagon, where they will be welcomed by Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull.

Mr Cull says, “This is a chance to be part of history and show the team how proud we are of them. This is the first time the Highlanders have won this competition and it means a huge amount to the team, the people of Otago and Southland and fans further afield.”

The team led by a strong coaching staff including head coach Jamie Joseph has been celebrating its first ever championship since the win on Saturday after a fast paced final which displayed the Highlanders ability to be tactical at crucial times and outplay the Hurricanes on their home turf.

Dunedin City Council Community Events Co-ordinator Marilyn Anderson says speeches will be held in the Octagon and members of the public will have the opportunity to take photos with team members and the trophy.

“We encourage residents and visitors to don their blue, gold and maroon and get behind this wonderful occasion.”