THE Fiji Bulikula women’s rugby league team will step on to the field today in Auckland, New Zealand for a high-stakes clash against Fetu Samoa, with much more than just a win on the line.
Victory will not only propel the Bulikula to its first Rugby League World Cup (RLWC) but will also earn them a place in the top-tier Pacific Women’s Cup next season, where they will compete with regional giants like Australia and New Zealand.
Should they defeat Samoa, the Bulikula’s next challenge will take them to Sydney on November 10, to play against the Pacific Cup’s third-place team.
A win there, would secure their spot in the elite division and mark an extraordinary achievement for Fijian women’s rugby.
But the outcome of Saturday’s match could lead Fiji down a different path if they’re unable to overcome Samoa.
A loss will redirect them to the 2025 World Series, where they will join other nations like Ireland and Nigeria, as well as the winner of November’s Americas qualifying tournament, in a bid for the last RLWC slot for 2026.
With Tonga and the Cook Islands now out of the running, only Fiji and Samoa remain in the Pacific World Cup qualifier.
For the Bulikula, a win will bring more than just a trophy — it will inspire young Fijian women to pursue the sport and showcase the talent emerging from Fiji on the world stage.
As the Bulikula brace for their game tomorrow, Fijian supporters are rallying behind their team, hoping to see their athletes make history in Auckland.
