Igam Crocs retain Commander’s Cup

Lae’s 1134 Igam Crocs defended the Commander’s Cup after defeating the Force Support Battalion (FSB Tigers) with a 13-0 win in the Cup Grand Final on Monday, 5 October 2025, at Murray Barracks Oval in Port Moresby. 

The points were hard to come by in the opening 40 minutes of the physical, brutal contest, though a few try-scoring chances were created for both sides. The Crocs converted a penalty goal to lead 3-0 at halftime.

In the second stanza, the reigning champions tightened their defense, scoring two unconverted tries and keeping the Port Moresby-based FSB Tigers scoreless to retain the Commander’s Cup. 

The engineering unit from “Rainy Lae” entered the two-week competition as clear favorites, delivering strong performances in the pool rounds and living up to the people’s expectations in the finals to defend their crown. 

The Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commander, Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, congratulated the Igam Crocs on their well-deserved win. He also congratulated the runners-up, FSB Tigers, and all the participating teams.

Rear Admiral Polewara said the Commander’s Cup serves as a platform to unite soldiers across PNG through the game of rugby union, while also creating an environment for the military personnel to build relationships, friendships, and camaraderie. 

The Commander thanked the tournament’s sponsors, including Comrade Trustee Services Limited (CTSL), Santos, ISAS Limited, NKW, Kwik Moni Limited, and others, for their support in delivering a successful 10th edition. 

Commander Polewara announced that the FSB Tigers will host the 11th edition of the biennial Commander’s Cup in 2029, revealing that they would deliberate and come up with a decision whether to revert to 7s, 10s, or remain as a 15s concept. 

In addition, the National Capital District Governor, Honorable Powes Parkop, was impressed by the talent on display, congratulating the Igam Crocs on their victory and commending the FSB Tigers for displaying a spirited fight. 

Governor Parkop highlighted the importance of hosting the Commander’s Cup. He pledged to support the tournament with K50,000 and announced that the municipal authority would give K10,000 each to all ten participating teams.

The Lae-based Igam Crocs won the biennial Commander’s Cup in Lae in 2023 and defended their title in the nation’s capital in 2026. They now anticipate making a three-peat for the 11th edition in 2029.