'Unfinished business': Bulikula set for World Series in Canada
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Fiji chairman Akuila Masi has declared the Bulikula have "unfinished business" when they travel to Canada for the historic IRL Women's World Series.
Canada will host the inaugural World Series to determine the final berth at the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026, which will be staged simultaneously with the Men's and Wheelchair World Cups.
The Ravens will meet Fiji and Ireland will take on Nigeria in the semi-finals at Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton, on October 21, with the winners to meet in the final on October 26 at Lamport Stadium, Toronto.
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Fiji Bulikula Top Tries from the 2024 Pacific Championships
The World Series winner will claim the eighth and final berth at the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the ARLC and to be played in Australia and Papua Guinea.
Australia, England, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea automatically qualified as semi-finalists at the last World Cup in England in 2022, with France, Samoa and Wales joining them after qualifying tournaments last year.
Samoa won last year’s Pacific Bowl, beating Tonga in Suva before edging out Fiji in an epic finals match in Auckland.
After beating Cook Islands to qualify for the Pacific Bowl final, Fiji now have a second shot at gaining entry to the World Cup.
"This campaign is not just about showing up - it’s about showcasing the raw talent and passion that Fiji is known for on the rugby league pitch," Masi said.
"We have immense respect for our opponents and the challenges ahead, but we are ready to seize this opportunity with everything we've got.
"We are proud of our performance during the Pacific Championship last year, but we have some unfinished business heading into the upcoming qualifying rounds. That’s where our focus and preparation lie."
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The Bulikula hymn
Canada, who won the Americas RLWC2026 qualifying tournament in Florida last November, was selected as the hosts of the 2025 World Series after a competitive tender process.
Canada Rugby League Association president John Cameron said the Ravens would be aiming to qualify for their third consecutive Women's World Cup.
“Being selected host by the IRL for the 2025 Women’s World Series is a real honour for our Ravens, our national organisation and for the sport of rugby league in Canada," Cameron said.
“For the last few years, the Canada Rugby League board, volunteers and athletes have worked together to grow our game - from youth, to men’s, to women's and masters.
"With record membership, and teams, the hosting of this world class event is another step in our development on the rugby league stage.
“The Greater Toronto area is one of the most multicultural regions in the world, and we know our rugby league community from Fiji, Ireland and Nigeria will feel right at home on their visit."
France and Wales won their pools in the 2024 European Championships, with Ireland qualifying for the World Series by beating Greece in a play-off between the two second-placed nations.
Nigeria qualified for the World Series by beating Kenya by the finest of margins on for-and-against in a two-match series last year.
"We are honoured to represent not just Nigeria, but the entire African continent at the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Series," Nigeria Rugby League vice-president Ade Adebisi said.
"This is a groundbreaking moment for African women in sport, proving that rugby league is a viable pathway for young female athletes beyond the traditional sports that dominate the continent.
"Our participation will inspire the next generation to dream bigger, knowing they too can wear their national colours on the world stage."
As the highest ranked of the four nations, Ireland will meet Nigeria, while second-highest Canada takes on third-highest Fiji.
The two winners will play-off for a place at the World Cup in a double-header with the two losers, who are playing for IRL World Rankings points.
“Getting to this stage is a testament to the relentless work, skills, and belief of our players, coaches, and staff," Ireland Rugby League chair Jim Reynolds said.
"As our girls prepare to take to the global stage, they carry with them the pride of our nation and their opportunity to inspire future generations."
The World Series will be contested by nations from the IRL’s four regions – Canada (Americas), Fiji (Asia-Pacific), Ireland (Europe) and Nigeria (Middle East & Africa) – after an extensive and historic qualifying process.
The tournament will be staged with the support of the City of Brampton, Ontario.
"We are thrilled to welcome the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Series to Brampton," Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, said.
"This exciting event, hosted in partnership with International Rugby League and the Canadian Rugby League Association, will showcase the incredible talent of female athletes from around the world.
“With teams representing Canada, Fiji, Ireland, and Nigeria, Brampton will be at the heart of this international competition. We are particularly proud that the Canadian Ravens team will feature athletes from across the country, including local stars from the Ontario Osprey and Brampton Beavers."
