Harlequins crowned NiuPower CRUW Champions

The Supreme Industries Harlequins claimed the 2025 NiuPower Capital Rugby Union Women’s (CRUW) competition following a 12-0 victory over the Chemcare Juggernauts on Saturday, 6th September, at Santos National Football Stadium. 

Winning the minor premiership and having a week off, the Juggernauts were primed to clinch their first title. However, the Harlequins weathered the storm and made it to the grand final, shattering the Juggernauts and mending their broken hearts from last year’s loss to the Uni Piggies. 

In their earlier encounter during the regular season, the Juggernauts dominated the Harlies twice. Having a score to settle with the Juggernauts, the Harliquins worked on their weaknesses and came prepared in the big dance to stun the highly-favored women in pink. 

The Harlequins took things under control in the opening 40 minutes, establishing a 5-0 lead at the break, and defended their line in the second half to beat the disjointed Juggernauts, who had a couple of chances to ice the game, but shot themselves in the foot.

Harlequins’ coach John Pangkatana mentioned that his girls’ strong defense won the game, despite having a turbulent season and coming from nowhere to snatch the title from the red-hot Juggernauts outfit.

“It’s such an overwhelming feeling. We were never supposed to play in the grand final; we were never in the top 4. We made it in the last couple of games. We had our own struggles in the team, but we all stuck together to deliver the result. I give credit to the girls,” Pangkatana said.

Pangkatana added that losing to the Piggies last season made the girls work extra hard to redeem themselves, saying: “They wanted it so badly. We had hard sessions to prepare for the decider. Juggernauts are a strong side who beat us twice. We were never expected to beat them, but we did. The feeling is amazing.”

Barbara Sigere, who played a crucial role in the Harlequins’ premiership success and walked away with the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, was a threat across the park, showcasing her blistering pace and skills. 

In the forwards department, Shellane Kopi and skipper Letitia Gabi were setting the platform upfront, with Barbara Sigere leading the backline and causing havoc against the strong Juggernauts side.

The Supreme Industries-sponsored Harlequins have clinched their fourth premiership trophy in the open women’s division, solidifying their place as the ‘Queens’ of Bava Park.