Fiji Bulikula’s 2025 goal is to qualify for the Women’s Rugby League World Cup.
The national women’s rugby league side also hopes to be ranked in the top eight.
This is the target of head coach Josaia Rabele.
The Bulikula moved from 26th to 16 in the International Rugby League (IRL) ranking last year, which was a significant jump.
Rabele said it was great to see the Fi-jian women ranked higher than countries including Nigeria, Kenya and the Philippines.
The Bulikula will play against Ireland, Canada and Nigeria in the World Series in October which will be the qualifying event; it will be in Canada.
“Our major assignment this year is to win the World Series to qualify for the World Cup,” Rabele said.
“Only the teams have been confirmed but not the competition details.
“Our local players are on a break and will resume training on January 10 for our pre-season programme,” he added.
Rabele indicated Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) also bided to host the world series which was won by Canada.
Chariman Akuila Masi said it would be costly as they hosted the Pacific Championship last October.
Meanwhile, Bulikula lost to Samoa, 12-16, in the World Cup qualifying match at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland, New Zealand on November 2, 2024.
Next year’s women’s RLWC will run in parallel with the men’s and wheelchair tournaments which will be hosted by Australia; Papua New Guinea will also host some matches.
Australia has held dominance for more than a decade to confirm their status as the best rugby league team in the world with World Cup success in 2013, 2017 and 2021.
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