The Rugby Development Officers Shield was being given a night on the town in Whanganui on Saturday after the Wanganui Toyota Development XV smashed Horowhenua-Kapiti Development 62-10 in the final in Levin.
Even moving the playoff game from Petone to Horowhenua-Kapiti's home turf was no detriment as Wanganui regained the Shield they lost last year to complete an undefeated season.
Taking 21 players south, the side was reinforced by Steelform Wanganui outside backs Samu Kubunavanua, Cody Hemi and the returning Nick Harding, along with a familiar face as 2015 Meads Cup-winning prop Kamipeli Latu has come home from England - perfect timing given the union is currently short on proven front rowers.
"He only got 20 minutes at the end, being short of a run, but certainly he's got the quality there," said coach Denis Edwards.