The Fiji Bulikula women’s rugby league team has achieved a monumental milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Rugby League Women’s World Cup, a historic first for the squad. This remarkable accomplishment comes on the heels of an outstanding performance in the International Rugby League Women’s World Series, where they secured their spot by decisively defeating Nigeria with a score of 62–4 in the final match.
Head coach Joe Dakuitoga praised the team’s achievement, noting that it was accomplished with a predominantly young and inexperienced squad, with many players aged just 19 and 20. Despite facing challenges due to injuries sidelining several key players—including captain Talei Holmes and others—Dakuitoga expressed pride in the resilience demonstrated by the younger players, who stepped up remarkably throughout the tournament.
“The core of our team was very young, yet they rose to the occasion when it mattered most,” Dakuitoga remarked. This commitment to fostering young talent reflects the vision for the future of Fijian rugby yet showcases the growing competitive nature of women’s rugby league in Fiji.
The journey of the Bulikula has not only been about achieving wins on the field, but it also symbolizes significant advances for women’s sports within the Pacific region. Their qualification marks not just an individual success but a collective victory for women’s rugby, positioning Fiji among top-tier nations like New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, and others that will compete in the World Cup.
This exciting chapter in Fiji’s rugby league history inspires not only athletes but also supports broader narratives of empowerment and recognition for women’s sports. As the Bulikula prepares to compete on the global stage next year, their remarkable achievements are fostering new pathways for future generations of female athletes in Fiji and beyond, instilling hope and excitement for the growing momentum in women’s sports.