The Nadi under-20 rugby team celebrated an exhilarating triumph at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday, clinching the Skipper Cup U20 title by edging out Naitasiri with a close score of 29-28 in a nail-biting final. The team’s remarkable determination was showcased in a second-half comeback, as they overcame a challenging start where they found themselves trailing 8-21 at halftime.
Captain Samuela Ravono Navale commended his teammates for their exceptional performance and expressed gratitude for their combined efforts. He also acknowledged the vibrant atmosphere within the stadium, particularly appreciating the support from Naitasiri fans. “Hats off to them, and hats off also to the boys for giving a good game,” Navale remarked, dedicating the victory to the Nadi community, which highlights the significance of this win for their supporters.
The captain attributed the turnaround in the match to improvements in their set plays, particularly in line-outs and mauls, noting that their execution reached about 80 percent during the game. He stressed that their performance was driven by three core principles: playing with heart, pride, and purpose.
In addition to the glory of their hard-fought victory, Nadi also received $5,000 in prize money, underscoring both their achievement and the competitive spirit thriving within Fijian rugby. The passion displayed in this match and throughout the Skipper Cup suggests a promising future for Nadi and the broader narrative of rugby in Fiji, fostering optimism for the sport’s continued growth and success.