The Fiji Bulikula women’s rugby league team has made history by qualifying for the 2026 Rugby League Women’s World Cup, marking a monumental first for the team. This significant achievement follows a stellar performance in the International Rugby League Women’s World Series, where they triumphed over Nigeria with a commanding score of 62-4 in the final match.
Head coach Joe Dakuitoga expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment, especially noting that it was achieved with a largely young and inexperienced roster, many of whom are just 19 and 20 years old. Despite the setback of injuries affecting key players, including captain Talei Holmes, Dakuitoga lauded the resilience shown by the younger athletes who rose to the occasion throughout the tournament.
“The core of our team was very young, yet they rose to the occasion when it mattered most,” Dakuitoga remarked. This focus on developing young talent reflects a visionary approach for the future of Fijian rugby and highlights the increasing competitiveness of women’s rugby league in the region.
The journey of the Bulikula extends beyond mere victories on the field; it represents significant progress for women’s sports in the Pacific. Their qualification serves not only as an individual achievement but also as a collective victory for women’s rugby, placing Fiji alongside powerhouse nations such as New Zealand, Australia, and Samoa in the World Cup arena.
This exciting chapter in Fiji’s rugby league history has broader implications, inspiring athletes and promoting narratives of women’s empowerment and recognition in sports. As the Bulikula gears up to showcase their talents on the global stage next year, their extraordinary journey is paving the way for future generations of female athletes in Fiji and inspiring hope and enthusiasm for the ongoing momentum in women’s sports.