The Vodafone Fiji Bati rugby league team has experienced a slight drop in the International Rugby League (IRL) world rankings, as announced recently. The team has moved down one position to seventh place, swapping spots with Papua New Guinea, which ascended to sixth after winning the Pacific Bowl Championship for two consecutive years.
Head coach Waisea Kativerata expressed optimism, noting that while their current ranking may not reflect their peak performance, it acknowledges the effort the team put forth in the Pacific Bowl Championship. Notably, despite the drop, Fiji Bati remains ranked ahead of several countries, including France, the Cook Islands, Serbia, the Netherlands, and Wales.
In another positive note for Fijian rugby, the women’s team, Bulikula, made significant progress by advancing ten places in the rankings, moving from 26th to 16th. Coach Joe Rabele praised this achievement, highlighting that the Bulikula is now positioned ahead of teams from Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines. Rabele expressed hopes for the team to break into the top ten in the upcoming year.
Australia continues to hold the top spot in both men’s and women’s rankings following their successful performances in the Pacific Cup, while England remains the leading team in the wheelchair category. Additionally, Fetu Samoa has shown remarkable improvement in the women’s rankings post their impressive run in the Pacific Championships, and Tonga has made a comeback into the top four men’s teams. New Zealand has also made its debut in the wheelchair rankings.
This evolution in rankings reflects a competitive spirit within the rugby league, and there is hope for further improvements from the Fiji teams as they prepare for future tournaments, including the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Such transformations in rankings not only spotlight the teams’ growth but also signify the increasing competitiveness and diversity in international rugby league, creating an exciting landscape for fans and players alike.
Leave a comment