The Fiji Rugby Union has officially announced that the semi-finals of the Skipper Cup will be hosted in Suva next week, sparking excitement among players and fans alike. Sale Sorovaki, the General Manager of Operations and Development at the FRU, commended the fierce competition witnessed during the quarter-finals, which were filled with surprising upsets.
The quarter-finals delivered nail-biting action, with Tailevu emerging victorious against third-placed Lautoka, Nadi pulling off a shocking win over second-placed Suva, and Malolo defeating the defending champions Nadroga at Lawaqa Park. Sorovaki expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by all teams, which contributed significantly to the tournament’s success.
He noted a remarkable increase in the quality of play this season, attributing this to the return of players from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, which has intensified the competitive nature of the Skipper Cup. “Our domestic competition is the primary avenue for developing elite players for national duty, and we are proud of how far we’ve come,” he said.
As the semi-finals approach, Sorovaki congratulated the top four teams and conveyed a sense of optimism regarding the future of local rugby. He highlighted that the Skipper Cup is vital for nurturing talent, with recent performances in the Under-20 and ANZ Marama Championships reinforcing the competitive spirit present in the league.
In the Under-20 quarter-finals, Naitasiri bested Vatukoula with a score of 23-14, while Fiji Pine Ba narrowly won against Macuata, finishing 20-15. Nadi also recorded a close victory over Tailevu, securing a 18-15 win. In the Subrails ANZ Marama Championship, Nasinu delivered a dominant performance against Naitasiri, winning 67-22, Kadavu edged out Nadroga by 32-29, Suva triumphed over Lautoka 38-32, and Namosi defeated Nadi with a score of 35-17.
The current rugby season in Fiji has been characterized by robust community support and an unwavering passion for the sport, as teams gear up for an exhilarating end to the Skipper Cup, where they hope to etch their names in history. This promises to be a captivating continuation of a thrilling season, reflecting the deep-rooted love for rugby in the nation.