Farebrother-Challenge
Naitasiri are the new Farebrother champions beating Lautoka 27-21
Naitasiri Rugby is the new Farebrother Trophy champion after defeating Lautoka 27-21 in a thriller this afternoon.
Naitasiri Rugby claimed the Farebrother Trophy after a thrilling 27-21 victory over Lautoka this afternoon.
The team from the Highlands showcased their determination to reclaim the prestigious title, maintaining dominance throughout the match.
Naitasiri held a narrow 15-14 lead at halftime.
Despite a strong effort from Lautoka, they fell short of victory.
Nadroga will be the final contender for the Farebrother Trophy, promising another exciting match.
The Farebrother Challenge, a prestigious rugby competition in Fiji, traces its origins to 1941. It began when the first official inter-district trophy, known as the Sullivan-Farebrother Trophy, was presented to the Fiji Rugby Union by JJ Sullivan and AS Farebrother.
Over time, the name was reversed to Farebrother-Sullivan. The format of the competition evolved from a zonal system to a challenge format akin to New Zealand’s Ranfurly Shield, with the holder defending the title against challengers.
Initially dominated by a few teams, Suva held the trophy for ten years until 1951. Nadroga emerged as a significant force from 1971, maintaining a strong presence in the competition.
In recent years, teams like Nadi, Suva, and Naitasiri have also secured the trophy, highlighting the competition’s intense and dynamic nature. The Farebrother Challenge remains a central and highly coveted part of Fijian rugby culture.