Nationwide Nadi Army stamped their authority on the international sevens scene after winning the 2026 Borneo 7s at the Eagles Rugby Club Stadium in Malaysia over the weekend, capping a flawless two-day campaign with a 36-5 victory over Kazakhstan in the Cup final. The Nadi-based side went unbeaten through the tournament, a run anchored by a defence that conceded just two tries across their pool matches and the final.
The margin of the final underlined how dominant the Army were throughout the weekend. Their defensive discipline and structured play repeatedly stifled opponents, allowing them to control possession and strike when gaps opened. Across the competition the team’s organisation and consistency became a defining feature, forcing errors and converting their chances into a convincing championship performance.
Head coach Napolioni Naulia praised his players for their discipline and adherence to the game plan. “I thank the boys for holding on to what they learnt during training and for their great execution on the field,” Naulia said after the victory. “The boys were so consistent from their first pool match right through to the final, and I applaud them for maintaining their discipline.”
Naulia was also quick to highlight the wider support network behind the team’s success, calling out spiritual, familial and commercial backing that helped the side arrive and perform in Malaysia. “Big thanks to Nationwide Sydney Nadi and JAD International Travel, the players’ families, the Black Rock family in Nadi, the RFMF fraternity, and especially the boys for giving their best,” he said, adding that the squad’s achievements were underpinned by faith and community support.
Leadership from senior players played a central role in guiding the side through tight moments, Naulia said, singling out captain Inia Tawalo along with Jone Samusamuvodre and Alusio ‘Nitro’ Naduva for their influence on the field. Their experience helped marshal younger teammates and maintain the structure that frustrated rivals across both days of competition.
With the Borneo 7s title secured, Nationwide Nadi Army will now turn their focus to the Nationwide Sydney 7s tour scheduled for October, a move the coach framed as the next step in building the team’s international exposure and competitiveness. Participation in Sydney will give the squad further opportunities to test combinations, sharpen their systems and sustain the momentum generated in Malaysia.
The triumph in Borneo marks a significant achievement for the Nadi Army outfit and adds to the depth of Fijian sevens representation beyond national teams. Their unbeaten run and stingy defence in Malaysia send a clear message ahead of the Sydney tour: Nationwide Nadi Army are emerging as a disciplined, well-drilled unit capable of competing and winning on the international stage.
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