Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says it means a lot to Canterbury to have the Ranfurly Shield back, especially given the earthquake on 4 September.
The Canterbury rugby team defeated Southland 26-12 in Invercargill on Saturday night to reclaim the shield. Canterbury led 16-13 at half-time.
The team was welcomed home by more than 200 fans at Christchurch airport on Sunday morning.
Mr Parker says the past few weeks since the magnitude 7.1 earthquake have been tough on everyone.
He says having the shield back means so much more because of what has happened.
Canterbury first won the trophy in 1927. Saturday's win means Canterbury now enters its 14th series as holder of the Shield.
No decision has been made on whether a parade will be held to honour the re-capture of the shield.
Southland coping with loss of Shield - Shadbolt
Invercargill Mayor Tim Shadbolt says the loss of the Ranfurly Shield is tough, but Southland is coping.
Southland lost the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury on Saturday after six successful defences.
Canterbury won 26-16 after leading 16-13 at half-time.
"We had it so long and fought so many battles and just survived each one of them. Wellington was next," Mr Shadbolt said.
"(But) we're resilient down here and still feeling not too bad."
Southland won the Shield from Canterbury in Christchurch last season.
