Harbour dedicate Shield win to fans at parade [+pictures]

Ryan Wilson shakes hands with a fan in Takapuna today. Sandra Mu / Getty Images

North Harbour's Ranfurly Shield parade has begun with a dedication from the team and coach to the fans.

A crowd estimated to be around 3,000-strong lined the streets near the council offices in Takapuna for the start of the celebration marking Sunday's 21-17 victory over Canterbury.

Coach Allan Pollock told the crowd: "We were just the lucky guys who were able to go out and win it. But the trophy belongs to you."

Team captain Rua Tipoki added: "I know we can be a hard team to support at times, but thanks for sticking by us."

The full squad left the council offices on the back of a float bound for Milford, Mairangi Bay and Browns Bay, before finishing at North Harbour Stadium. They were followed by North Shore mayor George Wood on the back of a ute.

Autograph hunters surrounded Jonah Lomu, though he played no active part in the Sunday's victory.

The Shield win was the first in North Harbour's 21-year history.

- NZHERALD STAFF