Joe Dakuitoga expressed deep emotion as he celebrated the Fiji women’s rugby league team’s remarkable achievement in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. This milestone is a significant leap forward not just for women’s rugby league in Fiji, but also for female sports broadly. The Bulikula secured their spot at the World Cup with a commanding 62-4 victory over Nigeria during the IRL Rugby League World Series at Terry Fox Stadium in Brampton, Ontario.
This marks the first time the Bulikula has qualified for a World Cup, and Dakuitoga became teary-eyed as he reflected on the development programs in Fiji that have led to such a success. He stated, “It has been a journey for the past few years… to qualify for the World Cup, I can’t believe it,” emphasizing the commitment and hard work put in since the program was revitalized after a hiatus due to COVID-19 in 2023.
Dakuitoga also highlighted the team’s dedication to gender equality, articulating, “If the men can compete in the World Cup, why not the women?” This sentiment showcases a growing commitment to enhancing opportunities for women in sports in Fiji.
The squad that represented Fiji in Canada included four players from the Rise Rookie program. Although they were without several key players, the Bulikula dominated, achieving a 48-0 victory against Canada in the semi-finals. Captain Cass Staples, who scored four times in the final match, expressed immense pride in her team’s accomplishment. She acknowledged the robust challenge posed by Nigeria, praising their tenacity and the physical nature of the game.
The captain reiterated her belief in the program’s positive trajectory, stating, “I am incredibly proud of the group we have and where the program is heading.” This experience not only strengthens Fiji’s position in rugby league but also enhances global connections within the sport.
Fiji will compete alongside other formidable nations such as Australia, New Zealand, England, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, France, and Wales at the upcoming World Cup. Staples underscored the broader significance of rugby league’s progression worldwide, declaring, “This is a credit and a statement to the development of the game.” The Bulikula’s success is more than just a victory; it serves as a source of inspiration for future generations of female athletes in Fiji and around the world, signaling a promising era for women’s sports on the international stage.