Fiji Bulikula has set its sights on qualifying for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2025, aiming to secure a spot in the top eight ranked teams globally. This ambitious target has been established by head coach Josaia Rabele.
Remarkably, the national women’s rugby league team made a significant leap in the International Rugby League (IRL) rankings last year, climbing from 26th to 16th position. Coach Rabele expressed pride in seeing Fiji ranked above notable countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines.
In preparation for qualifying, the Bulikula will participate in the World Series in Canada this October, where they will compete against teams from Ireland, Canada, and Nigeria. “Our major assignment this year is to win the World Series to qualify for the World Cup,” Rabele emphasized. Although the teams have been confirmed, specific details about the competition are still pending.
Fiji’s local players are currently on a break, with training set to resume on January 10 as they prepare for the upcoming season. Rabele also mentioned that the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) has expressed interest in hosting the World Series, although it was ultimately awarded to Canada, due to concerns over costs following Fiji’s hosting of the Pacific Championship last October.
In their recent World Cup qualifying match, Bulikula narrowly lost to Samoa with a score of 12-16 at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, on November 2, 2024. The next Women’s Rugby League World Cup will run alongside the men’s and wheelchair tournaments and will be held in Australia, with some matches also set to take place in Papua New Guinea.
Australia has maintained a dominant presence in women’s rugby league, securing World Cup victories in 2013, 2017, and 2021.
In summary, the Fiji Bulikula team is on an inspiring journey toward their goal of participating in the Women’s Rugby League World Cup, showcasing their desire for growth and success on the international stage. With a commitment to intense training and strategic competition, there is a hopeful outlook as they aim to prove their mettle against some of the best teams in the world.
Leave a comment