Fiji Bulikula has set its sights on qualifying for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2025. The national women’s rugby league team aims to improve its ranking, aspiring to reach the top eight. This ambitious goal is spearheaded by head coach Josaia Rabele.
In a remarkable leap, the Bulikula climbed from 26th to 16th in the International Rugby League (IRL) rankings last year, marking a significant achievement for the team. Rabele expressed pride in the fact that Fiji now ranks higher than countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines.
The team is set to compete against Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria in the upcoming World Series in October, which serves as the qualifying event for the World Cup, to be held in Canada. Rabele emphasized that winning the World Series is crucial for the team’s World Cup aspirations.
As the local players take a break, they are slated to resume training on January 10 for their pre-season program. Rabele also mentioned that Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) expressed interest in hosting the World Series, although Canada has been awarded the event.
Chairman Akuila Masi acknowledged the potential costs of hosting, referencing the budget impact from the recent Pacific Championship hosted last October. In a past qualifying match for the World Cup, the Bulikula narrowly lost to Samoa, 12-16, in Auckland, New Zealand, in November 2024.
Next year, the Women’s Rugby League World Cup will run simultaneously with the men’s and wheelchair tournaments, organized mainly in Australia, with some matches to be held in Papua New Guinea. Australia has maintained its dominance in women’s rugby league, having won the World Cup in 2013, 2017, and 2021.
This pursuit for higher rankings and World Cup qualification reflects the growing momentum of women’s rugby league in Fiji, and with the right preparation and determination, the Bulikula has the potential to make significant strides in the international arena. The team’s commitment and passion for the sport may inspire future generations of female athletes in Fiji and beyond.
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