Waratahs seal seventh Super W title with three-peat
The NSW Waratahs completed a hat-trick of Super Rugby Women's titles with a 34-17 victory over the Fijian Drua in the 2026 grand final at Four R Stadium in Ba, Fiji, on Saturday, 25 July. The result gave the Waratahs a record-extending seventh championship and qualification for the Super Rugby Champions final, where they will meet the winner of the Super Rugby Aupiki grand final later the same day. The match was the first Super W grand final played in Fiji and was watched by a crowd of 4,097.
First-half foundation and second-half surge
The Waratahs built a 12-0 lead by halftime through tries from wingers Maya Stewart and Desiree Miller, with fullback Caitlyn Halse producing notable cover defence to keep the margin intact. After the interval, prop Falika Pohiva, who was named player of the match, crashed over from close range and centre Rosie Ferguson dummied through the line to push the lead to 24-0. Replacement back Amelia Whitaker then crossed twice in eight minutes, taking the score to 34-5 and effectively sealing the result.
Drua errors undermine home challenge
The Drua, who finished as minor premiers after the regular season, were undone by handling errors and lineout issues that handed the Waratahs cheap territory and field position. Flanker Nunia Daunimoala scored twice and No. 8 Sulita Waisega crossed after the siren as the home side rallied late, but the contest had already been decided. The encounter was the third Super W final between the two rivals, each of whom had previously won one championship meeting.
Captains reflect on a fiercely contested final
Waratahs captain Emily Chancellor said her side had carried a chip on their shoulder after two regular-season defeats to the Western Force and Queensland Reds. "I feel like rugby in Australia wrote us off. We lose two games and that's it for us," she said after lifting the trophy. Drua captain Bitila Tawake, holding back tears, apologised to the home crowd. The Waratahs also acknowledged the support of the Fiji supporters in Chancellor's post-match speech.
Blues claim third consecutive Aupiki crown
In the Super Rugby Aupiki grand final at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch later the same day, the Blues secured a 28-21 victory over Matatū to complete their own three-peat. Winger Katelyn Vahaakolo broke a 21-all deadlock with a try in the 83rd minute, converted by Ruahei Demant, after hooker Atlanta Lolohea had earlier scored her second try. The result sends the Blues across the Tasman to face NSW at Sydney's Leichhardt Oval on Saturday, 1 August in the Super Rugby Champions final.
All Blacks great Nonu joins Sharks in Durban
The Sharks confirmed a short-term signing of double Rugby World Cup winner Ma'a Nonu, who at 44 will move to Durban after his second spell at RC Toulon. Sharks CEO Shaun Bryans said the opportunity to expose the franchise's environment to Nonu's "professionalism, leadership and understanding" was invaluable, while head coach JP Pietersen added that Nonu's arrival would set "standards" inside the squad. The former All Blacks midfielder, whose deal is described as driven by rugby and mentorship priorities, is expected to work closely with young centres Jurenzo Julius and Ethan Hooker.
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