Fiji’s women’s rugby league team, known as Bulikula, is striving to secure qualification for the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Cup and aims to rank among the top eight teams globally. Under the guidance of head coach Josaia Rabele, the team made impressive progress last year, climbing from a ranking of 26th to 16th in the International Rugby League (IRL). Rabele expressed pride in seeing the Fijian team surpass the rankings of Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines.
In preparation for the World Cup qualifying event, which will be held in Canada as part of the World Series in October, Bulikula is set to compete against Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria. Rabele emphasized that the principal objective for the year is to win the World Series to gain World Cup qualification. The team is currently on a break, with training scheduled to resume on January 10.
Additionally, the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) has shown interest in hosting future World Series events, although the financial implications of this endeavor were highlighted by Chairman Akuila Masi, particularly after hosting the Pacific Championship last October.
The team faced a setback last November when they narrowly lost to Samoa in a World Cup qualifying match in Auckland, New Zealand. The upcoming Women’s Rugby League World Cup will take place alongside the men’s and wheelchair tournaments in Australia, with some matches hosted by Papua New Guinea. Australia has established itself as a powerhouse in the sport, winning the World Cup in 2013, 2017, and 2021.
This journey is inspiring not only for the players but also for fans, as it highlights the growth and potential of women’s rugby league in Fiji. With continued support and dedication, Fiji’s Bulikula is poised to make an impactful presence on the international stage.
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