An emotional Joe Dakuitoga expressed that the Fiji women’s rugby league team’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup marks a significant advancement not only for women’s rugby league in Fiji but for female sports as a whole. The Bulikula secured their place at the World Cup with a resounding 62-4 victory against Nigeria during the IRL Rugby League World Series held at Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton, Ontario.
This monumental achievement is the first time the Bulikula has qualified for a World Cup, and Dakuitoga held back tears as he discussed the development programs in Fiji that led to this success. “It has been a journey for the past few years… to qualify for the World Cup, I can’t believe it,” he expressed, highlighting the efforts put forth since the program’s revival after a pause due to COVID-19 in 2023.
The team’s ongoing commitment to gender equality was underscored by Dakuitoga’s statement, “If the men can compete in the World Cup, why not the women?” This reflects a growing focus on promoting women’s sports in Fiji and providing opportunities for female athletes.
The squad that ventured to Canada for the World Series featured four players from the Rise Rookie program, and despite missing key players, the Bulikula displayed dominance on the field, defeating Canada 48-0 in the semi-final. Captain Cass Staples, who scored four tries in the final match, expressed pride in the team’s achievement and acknowledged the fierce competition provided by Nigeria.
Staples noted the physicality of the Nigerian team and praised their efforts, adding to the positive outlook on the growth of rugby league beyond Fiji. “I am incredibly proud of the group we have and where the program is heading,” she stated, emphasizing the global connections being made in the world of rugby league.
Fiji will join a roster of other competitive nations, including Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, France, and Wales, in the upcoming World Cup. Staples highlighted the growing impact of rugby league worldwide, asserting, “This is a credit and a statement to the development of the game.” This victory not only represents a triumph for the team but serves as an inspiring benchmark for future generations of female athletes in Fiji and beyond, promising a bright future for women’s sports on the global stage.