Skipper Cup 2025 finalists Naitasiri and Malolo are well aware that the competition will be even tougher next year and although this year’s season just wrapped up on Saturday, they are already gearing up for their off-season training.
Naitsiri head coach Kameli Tinaviti said his side will take a much needed break before they begin their off season preparation.
“After a hard season this year, the boys will take a break. We have had a good season, these men have given it their all and so we now will take a break, some of them will play in other competitions before we regroup.”
Tinaviti said preparing well for the 2026 season was crucial.
“Malolo just came into the competition this year but look at where they are now. Our preparation is vital because this can be anybody’s game.”
Malolo coach Rupeni Nahiga also shared the same sentiments saying that even though they won, they will have to prepare even better for next year.
“We know there will be an even bigger expectation of us in the new year. We are a small team but the spirit that these boys have to fight for their vanua is unmatched. The men will now take their break before we begin our preparation for the new season.”
Malolo claimed their first Skipper Cup title after beating Naitasiri 41–26 on Saturday. The win was built on strong second-half execution and Naitasiri’s poor discipline.
Malolo opened the scoring in the 7th minute with a try from winger Tomasi Tawake, set up by No.8 Aminiasi Natuiyaga. Naitasiri stayed in the contest early but lost control in the second half when two players—Etonia Rokotuisawa and Veniasi Vosawale—were yellow carded.
With only 13 men on the field, Naitasiri struggled to contain Malolo, who scored four converted tries in 17 minutes.
Malolo coach Rupeni Nasiga said the team stuck to its plan and took advantage of the gaps.
The win marked a historic moment for the western side, who had never won the Skipper Cup before.
In the Under-20 final, Nadi edged Naitasiri 29–28 in a close match. Naitasiri led 21–8 at halftime but lost momentum after two yellow cards in the second half.
Nadi’s Joseph Tavai scored two tries off the bench, and JD Sivivatu added another. Flyhalf Waisale Rokomatu kicked crucial conversions to give Nadi a late lead.
Naitasiri scored a converted try in the final minutes to close the gap, but it wasn’t enough and Nadi held on to win the U20 title.
