Fiji’s women’s rugby league team, known as Bulikula, has set an ambitious goal of qualifying for the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Head coach Josaia Rabele has expressed that the team aims not only to qualify but also to secure a spot in the top eight rankings worldwide.
Following a remarkable rise in the International Rugby League (IRL) rankings—from 26th to 16th last year—the Bulikula are making strides on the international stage. Rabele is particularly proud that the Fijian team now ranks higher than nations like Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines.
To achieve their World Cup dreams, the Bulikula will compete against Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria in the World Series in October, a key qualifying event scheduled to take place in Canada. Rabele stressed the importance of this upcoming tournament, stating, “Our major assignment this year is to win the World Series to qualify for the World Cup.”
Currently, the local players are on a break and are slated to resume training on January 10 for their pre-season program. Additionally, the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) has expressed interest in hosting the World Series, although the logistics may prove challenging given the recent costs incurred from hosting the Pacific Championship.
In the previous World Cup qualifying match held on November 2, 2024, the Bulikula faced a narrow defeat against Samoa, losing 12-16 in Auckland, New Zealand. The upcoming Women’s Rugby League World Cup will coincide with men’s and wheelchair tournaments in Australia, with Papua New Guinea also hosting some matches.
Australia’s dominance in rugby league is notable, having secured World Cup victories in 2013, 2017, and 2021, solidifying their reputation as the top team in the sport.
This ambitious journey for the Bulikula reflects a hopeful future for women’s rugby league in Fiji, showing that with determination and hard work, significant progress can be made on the world stage. As they prepare for their next challenges, the team stands as an inspiring example of how sport can unite and empower women in Fiji and beyond.
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