Nadroga once again proved why they are one of Fiji rugby’s most formidable provincial sides, producing a remarkable late comeback to defeat arch-rivals Nadi 24–22 in a gripping Skipper Cup Grand Final at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
In a contest worthy of the long-standing rivalry between the two western rugby giants, the Stallions overturned an eight-point halftime deficit to snatch victory in the closing stages, leaving the Jetsetters heartbroken after they had controlled much of the encounter.
It was a final that had everything — early dominance, a spirited fightback, a dramatic change in momentum and a nail-biting finish that kept the championship hanging in the balance until the final whistle.
Nadroga wasted little time asserting themselves, with Sefanaia Tokaduadua crossing for the opening try in just the third minute. Playmaker Joeli Baleilevuka added two penalties in the 11th and 16th minutes to extend their advantage to 11–0.
But Nadi were far from finished.
The Jetsetters found their rhythm through a determined attacking display, with Akuila Momo opening their account in the 19th minute. Kitione Taliga added the conversion before Mosese Naura crossed in the 36th minute to turn the contest in
Nadi’s favour.
Sitiveni Etuate then added a third try on the stroke of halftime, sending Nadi into the break with a 19–11 lead and putting the pressure firmly on the Stallions.
With the championship slipping away, Nadroga returned for the second spell knowing they needed something special.
Baleilevuka began chipping away at the deficit with a penalty in the 52nd minute, but Nadi maintained their advantage when Taliga landed a penalty in the 69th minute to stretch the score to 22–14.
What followed was a remarkable final ten minutes.
Baleilevuka stepped up again in the 72nd minute, slotting another penalty to bring Nadroga within five points.
Then came the defining moment of the final.
In the 75th minute, Baleilevuka crossed the try line to bring the Stallions level before calmly adding the conversion to put Nadroga ahead 24–22.
The drama was not over.
Deep into injury time, Nadi were handed one final opportunity to reclaim the championship through a penalty attempt in the 83rd minute. However, Taliga’s kick failed to find its target, allowing Nadroga to hold on for a memorable two-point victory.
For Nadroga, the triumph was another demonstration of the resilience, determination and never-say-die attitude that have become synonymous with the famous Stallions jersey.
The victory also added another chapter to one of Fiji rugby’s fiercest provincial rivalries.
For generations, Nadroga and Nadi have been at the forefront of provincial rugby in the Western Division, producing some of the country’s finest rugby talent and contesting memorable battles in Fiji’s domestic competitions.
Nadroga’s proud history, particularly their remarkable achievements in the Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy competition, has established the province as one of the traditional powerhouses of Fijian rugby.
Nadi, meanwhile, have built their own proud legacy through generations of talented players, passionate supporters and a rugby culture deeply rooted in their communities.
Whenever these two sides meet, provincial pride is on the line, and this Skipper Cup final was no exception.
Baleilevuka proved to be the difference between the two sides, finishing with 19 points from a try, a conversion and four penalties in a championship-winning performance.
Nadi’s three tries demonstrated their attacking quality, but Nadroga’s ability to remain composed under pressure ultimately separated the teams.
For the Jetsetters, it was a painful end to a determined campaign. For the Stallions, it was a fitting reward for their unwavering determination and fighting spirit
And when the final whistle sounded at Churchill Park, it was the Stallions who stood tallest, Skipper Cup champions once again, after another unforgettable battle between two proud rugby provinces.
Skipper Cup Final
NADI 22 -24 NADROGA
Saturday 30 October, 2026
Churchill Park, Lautoka
Referee: Apisai Sigalau
Halftime: 19-11
NADI (1-15): Osea Sauvi, Luke Nasau, Joshua Uluibau, Peni Naruma (captain), Jolame Luvevou, Veniona Vukinagauna, Jonetani Suguturaga, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Anasa Raqili, Kitione Taliga, Sitiveni Etuate, Vilive Aria, Akuila Momo, Mosese Naura, Rafaelu Tunidau
RESERVES: Peni Malumu, Robin Billings, Epeli Vudilolo, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Peni Vuki, Leone Nawai, Nacani Boginisoko, Orisi Erenavula
TRIES: Akuila Momo, Mosese Naura, Sitiveni Etuate
CONVERSIONS: Taliga (2)
PEN GOAL: Taliga
NADROGA (1-15): Leveni Tokamato, Ratu Naisa Navuma, Aisake Atani, Alipate Toma, Manueli Ratuniyarawa, Aporosa Matakasa, Maikeli Matanihiga, Sefanaia Vuli, Jone Vatuwaliwali, Joeli Baleilevuka, Waqa Nalaga, Viliame Naikusa, Semesa Volavola, Taniela Rakuro, Sefanaia Tokaduadua
RESERVES:Saimoni Ratumaiyale, Timoci Sauvoli, Apenisa Lanivia, Rupeni Nakiyoyo, Manasa Delavasa, Aminiasi Natoga, Jack Volavola, Akuila Dranivotua
TRIES: Sefanaia Tokaduadua, Joeli Baleilevuka
CONVERSION: Joeli Baleilevuka
PEN GOALS: Joeli Baleilevuka (4)