The Vodafone Fiji Bati team has experienced a slight drop in the International Rugby League (IRL) world rankings, as announced in the latest update. The Bati now sits in seventh place, having swapped positions with Papua New Guinea, which has ascended to sixth place after claiming the Pacific Bowl Championship for the second consecutive year.
Head coach Waisea Kativerata expressed optimism that the team’s current standing would serve as a solid foundation for the upcoming 2026 Rugby League World Cup. While the new ranking reflects a slight setback, it acknowledges the Bati’s commendable performance during the Pacific Bowl Championship.
Currently, the Fiji Bati ranks above several nations, including France, Cook Islands, Serbia, Netherlands, and Wales.
In a more positive turn, the Bulikula women’s team has achieved a remarkable leap in their IRL rankings, moving up ten spots from 26th to 16th. Head coach Joe Rabele celebrated this advancement, noting that the Bulikula now holds a higher rank than teams from Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines. Rabele is hopeful that his squad will break into the top ten by next year.
Australia continues to dominate both the men’s and women’s rankings after their victories in the Pacific Cup, while England holds the top spot in the wheelchair category. Other notable changes include Fetu Samoa’s impressive rise in the women’s rankings following their successful Pacific Championships campaign and Tonga’s return to the top four in the men’s category, along with New Zealand’s debut in the wheelchair rankings.
This news signifies ongoing growth and competitiveness in rugby league, with both the Fiji Bati and Bulikula teams showing substantial promise and aspirations for future achievements. The dedicated efforts of these teams serve as an inspiration for athletes in the region, showcasing that resilience and hard work can yield rewarding outcomes.
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