Jack’s Nadi rugby head coach Ilaitia Seru has acknowledged the effort of his players in trying to beat FMF Suva in the Skipper Cup semifinal despite playing with 13 men.

Disaster struck Nadi when No.8 Naulia Dawai was red carded in the 36th minute for a shoulder charge on Suva lock Apolosi Tora’s head. Tora was stretchered off the field but Suva played on to win 38-16.

“We’ll regroup, refocus and come back stronger next year,” Seru said.

“I would like to thank the Nadi fans for being to Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori to support the boys.”

Seru said the highlight of the season was when they beat rivals Suva, Nadroga and Lautoka in the Skipper Cup competition.

“Some of our players have the skillset and talent to represent the Fijian Drua side in the Super Rugby Pacific competition,” he said.

Nadi was the only team to defeat Suva in the 2024 Skipper Cup season.

Nadi had an early 6-0 lead from two penalty attempts by Navitalai Tuilawa. Suva hit back with tries to burly prop Uraia Merikula and robust centre Iosefo Namoce. Full-back Inia Tawalo kicked over the two conversions and a penaty for a 17-6 lead at halftime.

Nadi came back in the second half with a try to captain Jolame Luvevou before Suva scored tries to Merikula, Tawalo and replacement lock Koli Tamanitoakula while Tawalo added the extras .

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