Waratahs Secure Historic Super W Hat-Trick Over Fijian Drua

The NSW Waratahs emphatically claimed their third consecutive Super Rugby Women’s championship, overcoming the Fijian Drua 34-17 in a dominant performance at the 2026 grand final in Ba, Fiji.

This victory marks the Waratahs’ record-extending seventh Super W crown and was a decisive response after a challenging end to their regular season.

Dominant First Half Sets the Tone

NSW established control early, scoring the first four tries and building a substantial 24-0 lead shortly after halftime. The Wallaroos prop excelled in a player-of-the-match performance, helping the Waratahs dictate the pace.

The Drua struggled to convert possession into points, notching their first score nearly an hour into the match. Any momentum the home side tried to build was quickly quashed by the Waratahs’ relentless attack, including two quick tries from replacement back Amelia Whitaker.

Waratahs winger Maya Stewart was instrumental, scoring the first try and then setting up fellow Wallaroo Miller for the second, contributing to the team’s six tries against the Drua’s three.

Strategic Edge and Resilient Performance

The game, the first Super W final hosted in Fiji, featured high-tempo rugby from both sides. However, the Waratahs’ execution proved superior, with the Drua committing numerous errors, including six lost lineout throws.

Fijian Drua’s early decision to forgo penalty kicks for touch proved costly, as they failed to capitalize on opportunities deep in Waratahs territory.

Waratahs captain Emily Chancellor expressed immense pride in her team's performance, highlighting their ability to overcome recent challenges. According to The Guardian Rugby Union, Chancellor noted a feeling that Australian rugby had "written them off" after two late-season losses.

Their triumph followed a significant turnaround, as NSW had lost their final two regular-season matches against the Queensland Reds and Western Force before securing a semi-final victory over the Force.

Looking Ahead for Super W Rugby

This grand final marked the third encounter between these two formidable teams in a Super W final, with the Waratahs now holding the series lead against the Drua in championship matchups. The match was played in front of an energetic local crowd, with Fiji's prime minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, presenting the trophy.

The consistent excellence of the Waratahs further cements their legacy in Super Rugby Women's, while also raising the standard for international rugby news and women's professional rugby globally. American audiences, familiar with successes like the Cal Bears' five consecutive Pac 7s title wins, can appreciate the Waratahs' sustained championship run.