Fiji’s women’s rugby league team, Bulikula, is setting ambitious goals in its pursuit of qualifying for the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Head coach Josaia Rabele has outlined the team’s aim not only to secure a spot in the World Cup but also to achieve a top-eight ranking in the process.
Last year, Fiji Bulikula made impressive progress, climbing from 26th to 16th in the International Rugby League (IRL) rankings, surpassing nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines. Rabele expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting the team’s growth on the international stage.
To pursue their World Cup ambitions, Bulikula will compete against Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria in the upcoming World Series, which serves as the qualifying event taking place in Canada this October. Rabele emphasized that winning this tournament is their key focus to qualify for the World Cup.
As the team prepares for this crucial year, the local players are currently on break and are scheduled to resume training on January 10, kicking off their pre-season program. Rabele also mentioned Fiji National Rugby League’s interest in hosting the World Series, which was ultimately awarded to Canada, a move that poses financial challenges after hosting the Pacific Championship last October.
In a previous qualifying match on November 2, 2024, Fiji Bulikula was narrowly defeated by Samoa, with a score of 12-16 at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland. Looking ahead, next year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup will occur alongside the men’s and wheelchair tournaments in Australia, with Papua New Guinea also hosting some matches.
The Australian team has maintained a stronghold in women’s rugby league, achieving World Cup victories in 2013, 2017, and 2021. As Fiji Bulikula gears up for this crucial period, their determination and growth promise an exciting future for women’s rugby in the nation.
Overall, the Bulikula’s journey reflects a broader narrative of rising talent and competitive spirit in women’s sports, suggesting that with dedication and teamwork, they could create significant milestones in the upcoming tournaments.
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