Taina Basiyalo 
[Source: Fiji Rugby / Facebook]
Nadroga have been crowned the 2026 Skipper Cup champions after surviving a tense finish to edge Nadi 24-22 in a thrilling final at Churchill Park in Lautoka this afternoon.
In a contest that swung from end to end, both sides refused to give an inch, making life difficult for each other and turning every attacking opportunity into a hard-fought battle.
Nadroga struck first through Sefanaia Tokaduadua, who crossed the tryline in the third minute to give the Stallions an early advantage.
But Nadi responded through Akuila Momo before Mosese Naura added another try to put the hosts in front.
Etuate Qalibau then crossed for Nadi’s third try, giving them control of the contest as they headed into halftime with a 19-11 lead.
The second half brought more intensity, with Nadroga refusing to let the deficit dictate the outcome.
The Stallions fought their way back into the contest, gradually closing the gap and putting Nadi under pressure in a gripping battle for the championship.
With the scores tightening, Nadroga flyhalf Joeli Baleilevuka delivered a crucial try to put his side ahead 24-22.
However, the drama was far from over.
Nadi were handed a golden opportunity to snatch the title in the dying stages after winning a penalty in the 80th minute.
With just two points separating the sides, the pressure was firmly on the Nadi kicker, knowing a successful penalty would have handed them the championship.
But the attempt sailed wide, sparking celebrations from the Nadroga camp as the Stallions held on to claim the 2026 Skipper Cup crown in dramatic fashion.
The last time the two sides met in the final was in 2017 where Nadroga defeated Nadi.
