When the final whistle blew at FMG Waikato Stadium on the 31st August 2025 and the Southland Stags were confirmed as the new guardians of the Ranfurly Shield, it was clear that sport is always more than just a game, it’s part of the fabric of our community.
Because once the Shield was engraved, and the ‘Log o’ Wood’ was proudly held above the head of the victorious Stags’ captain, the story shifted from the field to the people and communities behind the team.
From Invercargill Airport resembling more of a rock concert than an airport terminal, to the many celebrations held across local venues, the people of Southland regardless of their age or background came together.
The undeniable buzz around the region and the shared pride and unity told a story of its own: Our region’s representative teams - the Southland Stags, Southern Steel and Southland Sharks are more than just sporting franchises.
Consistently activating local spaces like ILT Stadium Southland and Rugby Park, these teams are bringing our communities together to experience the joy of live sport, celebrate local talent and while doing so are building a sense of belonging.
Every game, every point scored and every player to take the court or field, contributes to our region’s identity. Grandparents, parents, and children stand side by side, united by team colours and shared hopes. It’s in these spaces that a lot of Southlanders connect - not just as fans, but as a community.
When the Southland Sharks made the final of the NBL Basketball competition, they encouraged our communities to feel part of something bigger than themselves. People came together at local venues to connect, play every ball alongside the players, and unite through pride in regional achievement at a national level.
The same could be said for the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel who’s 2025 season saw sold out home games, increased membership sales and rekindled excitement surrounding the team.
The impact of this goes far beyond the scoreboard, with the franchise teams exemplifying key dimensions of social cohesion. This includes creating inclusive environments where everyone is made to feel valued and connected, and inspiring grassroots sport by encouraging people to play, support and volunteer.
It is these outcomes that directly align with Community Trust South’s strategic priority of community connectedness, and particularly the desired outcome of increased social cohesion. Each season, these teams show how sport can be a powerful vehicle for wellbeing, activating joy, fostering belonging, and building trust in the systems, support and pathways we have across the region.
Perhaps one of the biggest unifying elements of these teams, for this year anyway, was that they were often given the label of the underdog. Going up against the heavyweights, the big dogs, and often teams with more resources, they proved that Southland can punch above its weight when it comes to sport.
It’s these almost fairy-tale moments that whether we like to admit or not, are what we live to see and sport, through its many channels provides this to us.
With real steel in their veins, shark moves in their strides and antlers up for every challenge, it’s clear that it has always been more than a game for our franchise teams.
And their efforts, both on and off the field/court, are essential to the game strengthening our community bonds, and ultimately contributing to a thriving south.
