Busy 2026 ahead for Fiji rugby league

2026 will be a busy year for rugby league in Fiji with both the Fiji Bati and Bulikula participating in the Rugby League World Cup. 

FNRL (Fiji National Rugby League) chairman Akuila Masi said warm up matches is lined up for both teams prior RLWC. 

“The world cup preparation will be crucial and we also have the Battle of the Bati,” Masi said. 

“We also have the Indian Rugby League Federation Partnership (U19 Men).”

The activities next year include the Academy and Development programmes.

Masi indicated that the Fiji secondary school rugby league (FSSRL) and Vodafone Cup competition will continue as usual.

He added that the Fiji Rise Rookie programme is on roll for next year after its success in the previous two years.

Masi said they would also expand their player base with local and international representatives for the Fiji Bati elite squad next year.

This is after the sporting body faced the difficulty of securing the services of a few Fijian NRL (National rugby league) players to feature for the Bati team during the Pacific bowl championship at Papua New Guinea in October.

“The availability of the NRL players to join Bati during Pacific Championship was a challenge but we are grateful that some have confirmed their availability for the Rugby league world cup,” he said.

Masi indicated that the plan for FNRL for 2026 includes the continuation for the grassroots programme, Fiji secondary school rugby league and Vodafone Cup competition.

“We are also working closely with NRL on the FNRL five to 10-year development plan,” he said.