The Vodafone Fiji Bati rugby league team has dropped one spot in the latest International Rugby League (IRL) world rankings, as announced yesterday. They now sit seventh, having been overtaken by Papua New Guinea, which has moved up to sixth place following back-to-back victories in the Pacific Bowl Championship.
Head coach Waisea Kativerata expressed optimism, noting that this ranking, although not their highest, reflects the team’s hard work and performance in the Pacific Bowl Championship. He believes this experience will serve as a valuable foundation as they prepare for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup. The Fiji Bati continues to be ranked above several countries, including France, Cook Islands, Serbia, Netherlands, and Wales.
In related news, the Fijian women’s team, known as Bulikula, has made significant strides, climbing ten places to rank 16th. Coach Joe Rabele commended his team’s progress, highlighting that they now surpass nations like Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines. He remains hopeful for further improvements, aiming for a top-ten position in next year’s rankings.
Australia continues to dominate both the men’s and women’s categories following their triumphs in the Pacific Cup, while England retains the top position in the wheelchair rugby league rankings. Notable upward movements in rankings include Fetu Samoa’s rise in the women’s category post-Pacific Championships and Tonga’s return to the top four men’s teams, alongside New Zealand making their debut in the wheelchair rankings.
Overall, the evolving landscape of rugby league rankings showcases the competitive spirit and dedication of teams, setting the stage for exciting developments in future tournaments.
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