Wabag RFL champions bound for 2027 Rigo Rice Cup

Wabag Rugby Football League sponsor Lindsay Tei Abel (left) presenting the minor premiership trophy for the women's division to a Sangu Nights player in the presence of competition officials *(Image: Dominion Media)*

Winners of the 2026 Wabag Rugby Football League [WRFL] men’s A-grade division will earn direct entry into next year’s Rigo Rice Cup competition.

The announcement was made by major sponsor Lindsay Tei Abel on Sunday during the minor premiership presentation for the WRFL 2026 season, officially named the Lindsay Tei Abel Cup, at Momis Oval in Wabag.

Abel, who committed K50,000 to sponsor this year's tournament, told players and spectators that the initiative aims to offer regional talent higher exposure and direct visibility for scouts from Digicel ExxonMobil Cup franchises and the PNG Hunters.

Addressing the crowd, Abel emphasized player discipline, stating that violence or unsportsmanlike conduct on the field would force sponsors to withdraw future funding.

The 2026 competition features three divisions in women’s open, men’s A-grade, and men’s B-grade.

Sangu Night won the women’s open minor premiership along with a K500 cash prize, while JKB Keaster Ox claimed the men's A-grade minor premiership title and K1,000.

In the men’s B-grade division, Prum Panthers were named minor premiers, though the trophy and K500 prize money were withheld by league officials pending an investigation into an on-field dispute involving Kasi United.

With the regular season and minor premiership awards concluded, the competition now moves into the finals series. The team that ultimately lifts the 2026 Lindsay Tei Abel Cup will represent the league at the 2027 Rigo Rice Cup.