The Fiji Bulikula women’s rugby league team is on the brink of fulfilling their dream of competing in the 2026 Rugby World Cup following a resounding 48-0 victory over Canada in the semi-finals of the IRL World Series in Ontario. This victory propels the Bulikula into the finals, where they will clash with Nigeria for the last available women’s spot in the upcoming World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
In a dominating performance, the Bulikula established a 12-0 lead over Canada’s national team at halftime, then unleashed an impressive scoring rampage in the second half, securing an additional 36 points without allowing Canada to respond. This victory dashed Canada’s hopes of making a third consecutive World Cup appearance after competing in 2017 and 2022. Key contributions came from players Cassie Staples, Tahlia Marshall, Isabella Waterman, Sienna Laing, Maria Paseka, and Kelilani Manu, highlighting the depth and skill within the team.
In a noteworthy development, Nigeria also reached the finals for the first time, marking a significant milestone by defeating Ireland 10-0 in their semi-final match. This sets the stage for an exciting showdown in just four days, with the specific match fixtures yet to be determined.
The Bulikula’s triumph comes on the heels of their narrow defeat against Fetu Samoa just the previous weekend, demonstrating their resilience and growth. Coach Joe Dakuitoga has praised the team’s consistency and the importance of a strong core of young players for future competitions. The combination of experienced players with emerging talent has positioned Fijian women’s rugby on a positive trajectory internationally.
As the team gears up for the final, both players and fans share a hopeful anticipation. The Bulikula have the opportunity to inspire future generations of female athletes in Fiji and showcase the competitive spirit of women’s rugby. Given their recent formidable performances, there is a strong belief that the Fiji Bulikula can claim victory and secure their place at the World Cup, thereby elevating the profile of women’s rugby in the region.