NADROGA CROWNED SKIPPER CUP U20 CHAMPIONS AFTER THRILLING TWO-POINT VICTORY OVER NADI

Nadroga 41 – 39 Nadi

Saturday, 31 October 2026 | Skipper Cup U20 Final

Nadroga held off a remarkable late comeback from Nadi to claim the 2026 Skipper Cup Under-20 title with a thrilling 41–39 victory in a pulsating final on Saturday.

In a contest that produced 80 points and 12 tries, Nadroga showed resilience to recover from an early deficit before surviving a dramatic Nadi fightback in the closing stages.

Nadi made a flying start, with Thomas Lawelua crossing for the opening try just two minutes into the match. Rafaele Dagaga followed with another try in the sixth minute, converted by Isaia Nawaqa, to give Nadi an early 12–0 advantage.

However, Nadroga responded strongly through Inoke Bota, who crossed in the 10th minute, before Manasa Novo added another try five minutes later. Virivirisai’s conversion levelled the scores at 12–12.

A penalty from Virivirisai in the 19th minute handed Nadroga their first lead at 15–12, but Nawaqa responded with a penalty of his own in the 32nd minute to bring Nadi level.

Nadroga then seized control of the contest with two crucial tries before the break. Mesake Turuva crossed in the 34th minute, followed by Malaki Tukana in the 39th, with Virivirisai converting both to give Nadroga a commanding 29–15 halftime lead.

The defending effort continued after the restart, with Virivirisai scoring his second try in the 49th minute to extend Nadroga’s advantage to 34–15.

Nadi refused to surrender, with Timoci Vucukula crossing in the 61st minute and Nawaqa adding the conversion to reduce the deficit to 12 points.

But Nadroga struck back almost immediately, with Novo completing his double in the 64th minute. Virivirisai converted to stretch the lead to 41–22.

With the championship seemingly slipping away, Nadi produced a spirited final assault.

Maikeli Ratu crossed in the 73rd minute before Nawaqa added another try in the 78th, cutting the deficit to nine points.

The drama continued into the final minute when replacement Kamenieli Rasaku crossed for Nadi’s sixth try. Nawaqa landed the conversion to bring the scores to 41–39, setting up a tense finish.

However, Nadroga held on to secure the two-point victory and lift the Skipper Cup U20 trophy.

Virivirisai played a pivotal role in Nadroga’s triumph, contributing two tries, four conversions and a penalty goal for a personal tally of 21 points. Novo was equally influential with two tries, while Turuva and Tukana also crossed the line.

For Nadi, six different players scored tries in an impressive attacking performance, but their spirited comeback fell agonisingly short.

The final provided a fitting conclusion to the Under-20 competition, showcasing the attacking talent, determination and competitive spirit of Fiji’s next generation of rugby players.

SKIPPER CUP U20 – FINAL

NADI 39 NADROGA 41

Saturday 31 October 2026

Referee:Filimone Gadolo

Half-time: 15-29

NADI (1-15): Timoci Vucukula, Rafaele Dagaga, Semesa Tuivunilagi, JOna Bale, Lasarusa Luma, Thomas Lawelua, Maikeli Ratu,  Isikeli Cawe, Joseva Rakai, Isaia Nawaqa, Iveri Momo, Erami Bokoi, Maleli Nauvasi, Apimeleki Vikila, Iliesa Nukuse

RESERVES: Pita Tuikubulau, Eminoni Naquto, Niko Lutuciri Williams, Kamenieli Rasaku, Inoke Radrovi, Luke Cagimaira, James Qalova, Kavekini Tubuilea

TRIES: Thomas Lawelua, Rafaele Dagaga, Timoci Vucukula, Maikeli Ratu, Isaia Nawaqa, Kaminieli Rasaku

CONVERSIONS: Isaia Nawaqa (3)

PEN GOAL: Isaia Nawaqa

NADROGA (1-15): Jaweli Naqase, Lasarusa Korotini, Jope Naikasau, Asesela Seka, Emitai Karatu (Capt),  Iliavi Katonibau, Malaki Tukana, Inoke Bota, Eavi Deku, Ratu Necani Virivirisai, Mesake Turuva, Keni Tubuna Manasa Novo, Vinijese Vekaka, Moape Qere

RESERVES: Sekove Waqavolau, Alipate Sauradu, Kitione Kuriere, Mosese Bokia, Joave Tuisowaqa, Luke Vulo, akuila Turaga, Mosese Bokini

TRIES: Manasa Novo (2),Inoke Bota, Mesake Turuva, Malaki Tukana, Virivirisai

CONVERSIONS: Ratu Necani Virivirisai (4)

PEN GOALS: Ratu Necani Virivirisai