Fiji Bulikula has set an ambitious goal to qualify for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2025. The national women’s rugby league team, under head coach Josaia Rabele, aims not only to secure a spot in the tournament but also to achieve a ranking among the top eight teams globally.
Last year, the Bulikula made a significant leap in the International Rugby League (IRL) rankings, rising from 26th to 16th place. Rabele expressed pride in this advancement, highlighting that it places the Fijian women ahead of several nations, including Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines.
The journey to qualification will begin with participation in the World Series scheduled for October in Canada, where they will compete against teams such as Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria. Rabele emphasized the importance of this series, stating, “Our major assignment this year is to win the World Series to qualify for the World Cup.”
As preparations unfold, local players will be returning from a break to commence training on January 10 for their pre-season program. It was also noted that the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) expressed interest in hosting the World Series, although it would involve significant costs following their recent hosting of the Pacific Championship.
The Bulikula faced a challenging match against Samoa last November, losing 12-16 in a World Cup qualifying match held in Auckland, New Zealand. Looking ahead, the upcoming Women’s Rugby League World Cup will run concurrently with the men’s and wheelchair tournaments, all to be hosted by Australia, with Papua New Guinea hosting some fixtures as well.
Australia has established dominance in women’s rugby league, winning the World Cup multiple times over the last decade. However, this creates an inspiring challenge for teams like Fiji Bulikula, which aims to break into the elite ranks of the sport.
With determination and a clear goal, the Fiji Bulikula Rugby League team is working hard to elevate their game and showcase their talent on the world stage.
This positive pursuit of excellence showcases Fiji’s growing commitment to women’s sports and the potential for exciting developments in the future.
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