Nigeria Women Rugby team, Green Falcons lost to Fiji women’s rugby league team, Bulikula, early Monday morning in Canada and failed in their bid to qualify for their first-ever Rugby League World Cup.
In a commanding performance, Fiji Bulikula defeated the Nigeria Green Falcons 62–4 to claim the final qualification spot — a landmark moment for women’s rugby in Fiji.
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Former Australia Women’s Sevens star Cassie Staples led the charge with four tries in the historic win, while Leilani Asham, Naomi Tegu, and Ebony Lang also crossed the line to seal the emphatic victory.
Fiji led 28–4 at halftime and never looked back, showcasing superior pace, organization, and tactical discipline against a spirited Nigerian side that was also chasing its own piece of history.
“I am a bit lost for words but incredibly proud of the group we have got today and where the program is heading in Fiji,” said Staples after the match.
“Nigeria were extremely physical and gave us a run for our money in terms of physicality. They are not a light side, and I look forward to the growth of their program and the development of rugby league in their country.”
With the result, New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, France, Fiji, Wales, and England are now confirmed participants for next year’s Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia.
The victory not only cements Fiji’s place on the global stage but also underscores the growing strength and depth of women’s rugby league across the Pacific — a region fast becoming a powerhouse in the women’s game.
