The Log o' Wood has arrived back in the capital for the first time in more than a decade, after Wellington edged holders Hawke's Bay 19-12 in a thrilling challenge at Napier.
The nearly five-hour bus ride home was made a little easier for the Lions, with the Ranfurly Shield aboard to keep them company.
"It's a special moment in my career and a lot of these younger boys, they're very lucky to be able to hold the Shield too," said veteran wing Julian Savea.
"It was the first Shield challenge for me, so to be able to bring it home, to have it in Porirua as its first stop, is pretty special for me," said halfback TJ Perenara.
Fans have flocked to Porirua to get a glimpse of the Shield for the first time since 2009.
"I think it just goes to show how much the shield means," said captain Du'Plessis Kirifi. "It's awesome when it goes around the country and each province it goes to, it gives a bit of energy to the rugby community there, so hopefully it does the same for us."
In a vintage Shield clash, a tryless first half saw the scores locked up at the break, before Perenara broke the game open.
The boot of Lincoln McClutchie kept Hawke's Bay close and they put the pressure on right until the end, as a dramatic finish had Wellington under the pump, until the Lions escaped to seal a famous win.
The Ranfurly Shield was one of the few prizes in rugby seasoned campaigner Perenara hadn't challenged for and he's savouring every moment of the experience.
"It's not guaranteed and for many years, we haven't had an opportunity. The one we have had in the last decade, we didn't take control of that one."
But that's now a distant memory, as Wellington bask in Ranfurly glory once more.
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