Fiji’s women’s rugby league team, the Bulikula, is gearing up for a pivotal match against Nigeria in the World Cup qualification playoff scheduled for this Sunday. Head coach Joe Dakuitoga expressed the team’s commitment to refining their performance following a decisive 48-0 victory over Canada in the IRL World Series semi-final. Despite their strong showing, Dakuitoga emphasized the necessity for further developments, stating, “We need that spot in the World Cup. Everyone wants to play in the World Cup, so we’ll look at our weaknesses and improve our structure before facing Nigeria.”
The stakes are high, as the winner of this match will earn the final spot in the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, joining already qualified teams including Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, Wales, France, and Samoa. This prestigious event will take place in October and November, co-hosted by Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The Fiji Bulikula’s recent successes, including their remarkable rise from 26th to 16th in the International Rugby League rankings, have generated excitement and hope for the team’s future. Last year, they surpassed countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, and the Philippines, showcasing their growth and competitiveness in women’s sports.
Dakuitoga’s emphasis on retaining a young core of players and fostering consistent development within the team bodes well for their ambitions. “We’d rather keep the core of those young players to be part of the process to the 2026 World Cup,” he noted, highlighting a strategy focused on solidifying a strong lineup for future competitions.
Looking ahead, the Bulikula’s combination of youthful talent and strategic preparation positions them well for this crucial playoff. Their journey reflects not just the aspirations of the team but also a broader narrative of empowerment and growth in women’s rugby league, inspiring both current players and future generations. As they prepare for this significant challenge, supporters are rallying behind the Bulikula, hopeful for a successful outcome that could lead to a historic World Cup berth.