The Nadi under-20 rugby team celebrated a thrilling victory at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva on Saturday, winning the Skipper Cup U20 competition by narrowly defeating Naitasiri 29-28 in the final. Displaying incredible determination, Nadi overcame a challenging first half where they trailed 8-21 at halftime, showcasing their resilience and spirit by orchestrating a remarkable comeback.
Captain Samuela Ravono Navale praised his teammates for their outstanding performance, expressing gratitude for their collective effort. He acknowledged the electric atmosphere in the stadium, particularly noting the support from Naitasiri fans. “Hats off to them, and hats off also to the boys for giving a good game,” he remarked, while also dedicating the victory to his team’s supporters from the Nadi community, highlighting the importance of the win for their fans.
Navale credited their improved execution in line-outs and mauls for the change in fortune during the match. “Our mauls were executed at about 80 percent today; we really worked hard on that after our semi-final win over Ba last week,” he stated. He emphasized three guiding principles that motivated their performance: playing with heart, pride, and purpose.
Beyond the glory of victory, Nadi also walked away with $5,000 in prize money, reflecting both their success and the ongoing competitive spirit within Fijian rugby. The passion exhibited in this match and throughout the Skipper Cup reflects a hopeful trajectory for Nadi and the broader Fijian rugby narrative, ensuring an exciting future ahead for the sport.