The economic recovery in the South could be ignited by the Ranfurly Shield-winning Southland rugby team, Finance Minister Bill English hopes.
The Clutha-Southland MP was among a swag of well-wishers wanting to congratulate the Southland Stags for their 9-3 win over Canterbury on Thursday night, a victory that secured Southland the coveted "Log of Wood" for the first time in 50 years and means the shield will spend the summer in the province.
In a statement, Mr English said the players, coaches and management all deserved credit for the win.
"This is a fantastic result for the province and it will be a great boost for communities right across Southland.
"It's been 50 years since Southland held the shield and it's tremendous to have it back."
Mr English said he had been closely following the team's progress in the Air New Zealand Cup.
To not only win the shield but secure a semi-final spot was a fantastic result, he said.
He was looking forward to personally congratulating the squad.
"Wearing my Finance Minister's hat, I also hope it helps to underpin the economic recovery in Southland."
