The Vodafone Fiji Bati team has slipped one spot in the latest International Rugby League (IRL) world rankings, recently made public. They have traded places with Papua New Guinea, which has ascended from seventh to sixth position after successfully winning the Pacific Bowl Championship for two consecutive years.
Head coach Waisea Kativerata views this ranking shift as an invaluable opportunity to gear up for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup. While the Bati’s current ranking may not be their best, it is a testament to their commendable performance at the Pacific Bowl Championship.
The Fiji Bati currently ranks above several nations, including France, Cook Islands, Serbia, Netherlands, and Wales. In a positive turn, the Fiji Bulikula women’s team has made significant progress, rising ten places to rank 16th. Their head coach, Joe Rabele, expressed pride in their achievement and noted that the team now stands higher than countries like Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines. Rabele is optimistic that the Bulikula can break into the top ten next year.
Australia continues to dominate the rankings, holding the top positions in both men’s and women’s categories following their victories in the Pacific Cup, while England remains the leading team in the wheelchair category. Notable mentions include Fetu Samoa, which has made significant gains in the women’s rankings after a successful Pacific Championships, and Tonga has regained its place among the top four men’s teams. Additionally, New Zealand has made its debut in the wheelchair rankings.
This fluctuation in rankings reflects not only the competitive nature of rugby league but also sets the stage for future tournaments where Fiji can prove its mettle. With strong leadership and remarkable talent, there is hope for the Bati and Bulikula to continue rising in the rankings and making their mark on the international stage.
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