2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup qualification

Last updated

The 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup qualification was announced on 15 December 2023. It will feature four confederation qualification tournaments for each of the four International Rugby League confederations (Americas, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Middle East-Africa).

Contents

The winner of the Asia-Pacific tournament directly qualified for the World Cup, while the runner up qualified for the 2025 World Series — the tournament to determine the final World Cup qualification spot. The two group winners of Europe directly qualified for the World Cup, while the playoff winner of the two runners-up qualified for the 2025 World Series. The Confederations of Americas & Middle East-Africa did not feature any direct qualifications, with the respective winners qualifying for the 2025 World Series. The winner of the World Series will secure the final World Cup qualification spot for the 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup. [1] [2]

Qualification was open to all full and affiliate member nations who did not receive automatic qualification from their results in the 2021 World Cup.

Qualified teams

TeamMethod of
qualification		Date of
qualification		Total
times
qualified		Last
time
qualified		Current
consecutive
appearances		Previous best
performance
Flag of England.svg  England 2021 Group A winners5 November 20224 [a] 2021 4Semi-finals (2008, 2013, 2017, 2021)
Flag of Papua New Guinea.svg  Papua New Guinea 2021 Group A runners-up5 November 20222 2021 2Semi-finals (2021)
Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia 2021 Group B winners6 November 20226 2021 6Winners (2013, 2017, 2021)
Flag of New Zealand.svg  New Zealand 2021 Group B runners-up6 November 20226 2021 6Winners (2000, 2003, 2008)
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales Europe Group A winner22 June 20241 [a] —1First appearance
Flag of France.svg  France Europe Group B winner22 June 20245 2021 2Semi-finals (2013)
Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa Asia-Pacific winner2 November 20243 2008 1Fifth-place (2003, 2008)
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji World Series winners29 October 20251—1First appearance

Confederation tournaments

Americas

Americas qualification was intended to have been a four way competition between Brazil, Canada, Jamaica and the USA, with a semi-finals then final format based on IRL rankings, with the winner progressing to the 2025 World Series. [3]

In June 2024, Brazil withdrew from the tournament due to funding and logistical difficulties. [4]

Seeding and group draws

The original draw and schedule was announced 30 January 2024 and would have seen Canada play Jamaica and USA play Brazil in the semi-finals. [3]

TeamRanking
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 7th
Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil 11th
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 16th
Flag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica 22nd

The revised schedule saw Jamaica play USA in a single semi-final, with the winners playing Canada (who received a bye to the final) for the place in the World Series. [4] Canada played a friendly against the USA Pioneers in lieu of their semi-final match, with Jamaica also facing the Pioneers as a result of losing their semi-final as a curtain-raiser before the final. [4] Canada beat the Pioneers 80–0 [5] and Jamaica beat the Pioneers 48–12. [6]

Semi-final

6 November 2024
19:00 ET (UTC-05:00)
Jamaica  Flag of Jamaica.svg0–44Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Report
Tries: Fisch (2), A’au, Bailous (3), Black, Treco
Goals: Treco (6/8)
Team details
JamaicaPositionUnited States
NameNumberNumberName
Chevelle Clarke1
FB
1Miranda Barnard
Shanice Stewart2
WG
2Marcaya Bailous
Gianna Noble-Cunningham3
CE
3Christine Sargent
Makeda Lewis4
CE
4Cynthia Campbell
Veronica Blair5
WG
5Haley Sheldon
Shanique Smith6
SO
6Samantha Black
Aniya Smith7
SH
7Courtney Treco
Else Royal8
PR
8Narcisse Jordan
Alicia Richards9
HK
9Nicole Fisch
Darcey Pryce10
PF
10Kadie Sandford
Shoya Gordon11
SR
11Rachael Bradley
Kaya-Jo Laing12
SR
12Jeanna Beard
Tarja Richards13
LF
13Esther Anderson
MacKayla McCalla14
IN
14Tiara A'au
Kamoya Forrest15
IN
15Ashley Mencke
Debisha Scarlett16
IN
16Taylor White
Sherine Johnson17
IN
17Robyn Oliveri
Andrew Dixon
Coach
Sean Rutgerson

Final

9 November 2024
16:00 ET (UTC-05:00)
Canada  Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg40–8Flag of the United States.svg  United States
Tries: Crowl (3), Sears, Choboter, Pakulis (2)
Goals: Franada (1/2), Sears (3/3), Aberg (2/2)
 Report
Tries: Sheldon (2)
Goals: Treco (0/2)
Team details
CanadaPositionUnited States
NameNumberNumberName
Lauren Mueller1
FB
1Miranda Barnard
Brittany Jones2
WG
2Marcya Baylous
Petra Woods3
CE
3Cyndi Campbell
Candace Scholten4
CE
4Christine Sargent
Andie Girard5
WG
5Haley Sheldon
Dani Franada6
SO
6Courtney Treco
Ale Lewis7
SH
7Samantha Black
Sarah Maguire8
PR
8Narcisse Jordan
Caitlin Sears9
HK
9Nicole Fisch
Chantelle Crowl10
PF
10Kadie Sandford
Gabrielle Hindley11
SR
11Rachael Bradley
Maddy Aberg12
SR
12Ashley Mencke
Megan Pakulis13
LF
13Sara Esther Anderson
Natalie Tam14
IN
14Tiara A'au
Rachel Choboter15
IN
15Shamarica Scott
Tamisha Toussaint16
IN
16Robyn Oliveri
Eleta Mitton17
IN
17Taylor White
Mike Castle
Coach
Sean Rutgerson

Asia-Pacific

The 2024 Women's Pacific Bowl acted as qualification for the World Cup. First place qualifies for the World Cup, second place qualifies for the 2025 World Series.

Seeding and group draws

The draw and schedule was announced 30 August 2024. [7] [8]

TeamRanking
Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands 6th
Flag of Tonga.svg  Tonga 14th
Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa 24th
Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 26th

Semi-finals

19 October 2024
18:00 FJT (UTC+12:00)
Tonga  Flag of Tonga.svg16–30Flag of Samoa.svg  Samoa
Tries:3
Hanisi Ru ball.svg 21'
Takapautolo Ru ball.svg 34'
Tauhalaliku Ru ball.svg 41'
Goals:2
Paki 2/3 Rugby penalty.svg 23', 42'
1st: 10–20
2nd: 6–10
Report
Tries:5
Masaga Ru ball.svg 1', 31'
Lofipo Ru ball.svg 9'
Patea Ru ball.svg 28', 54'
Tui Ru ball.svg 65'
Goals:3
Piliae-Rasabale 3/6 Rugby penalty.svg 7 pen', 11', 56'
National Stadium, Suva
Attendance: 3,271
Referee: Todd Smith (Australia)
Senior Review Official: Chris Butler (Australia)
Touch judges: Chris Sutton (Australia)
Team details
TongaPositionSamoa
NameNumberNumberName
Anaseini Malupo 1
FB
1 Evania Pelite
Maatuleio Fotu-Moala 2
WG
2 Mercedez Taulelei-Siala
Litia Fusi 3
CE
3 Lindsay Tui
Kate Fallon 4
CE
4 Sarina Masaga
Lavinia Tauhalaliku 5
WG
5 Jessica Patea
Emmanita Paki 6
SO/FE
6 Tavarna Papalii
Cassey Tohi-Hiku 7
SH/HB
7 Pauline Piliae-Rasabale
Kalosipani Hopoate 8
PR
8 Annetta Nu'uausala (c)
Jade Fonua 9
HK
9 Destiny Brill
Tegan Dymock 10
PF
10 Laikha Clarke
Manilita Takapautolo 11
SR
11 Monalisa Soliola
Vanessa Foliaki (c)12
SR
12 Christian Pio
Natasha Penitani 13
LF/LK
13 Sienna Lofipo
Filomina Hanisi 15
IN
14 Jetaya Faifua
Dannii Perese 16
IN
15 Simone Karpani
Paea Uilou 17
IN
17 Pihuka Berryman-Duff
Seli Mailangi 19
IN
18 Evah McEwen
Tatiana Finau 14
CS
16 Jasmine Fogavini
Kelvin Wright
Coach
 Jamie Soward
26 October 2024
18:00 FJT (UTC+12:00)
Fiji  Flag of Fiji.svg18–6Flag of the Cook Islands.svg  Cook Islands
Tries:4
Naikore Ru ball.svg 21', 39', 60'
Holmes Ru ball.svg 17'
Goals:1
Naikore Rugby penalty.svg 18'
Naitokatoka 0/1
Lutu 0/1
1st: 10–6
2nd: 8–0
Report
Tries:1
Matua Ru ball.svg 9'
Goals:1
Poko 1/1 Rugby penalty.svg 10'
National Stadium, Suva
Attendance: 3,216
Referee: Peter Gough (Australia)
Senior Review Official: Wyatt Raymond (Australia)
Touch judges: Drew Oultram (Australia)
Team details
FijiPositionCook Islands
NameNumberNumberName
Cassie Staples 1
FB
1 Kiana Takairangi (c)
Vitalina Naikore 4
WG
2 Chantelle Holloway-Samuels
Sienna Laing 3
CE
3 Tyler Birch
Taina Naividi 6
CE
4 Kaiyah Atai
Abigayle Sekitoga 19
WG
5 Kiarah Siauane
Luisa Yaranamua 17
SO/FE
6 Charntay Poko
Losana Lutu 7
SH/HB
7 Lydia Turua-Quedley
Ilisapeci Bari 2
PR
8 Crystal Tamarua
Sereana Naitokatoka 9
HK
9 Chelsea Makira
Aliti Namoce 15
PF
10 April Ngatupuna
Nanise Vakacavu 11
SR
11 Jazmon Tupou-Witchman
Latisha Smythe 12
SR
12 Kerehitina Matua
Talei Holmes (c)18
LF/LK
13 Anneka Stephens
Anastasia Shum-Cottrell 14
IN
14 Jodeci Joseph
Mere Kilawekana 20
IN
15 Lavinia Kitai
Ema Rainima 21
IN
18 Tahleisha Maeva
Teaghan Hartigan 25
IN
19 Ryvrr-Lee Alo
Asenaca Diranuve 10
CS
21 Chazmin Holloway-Samuels
Josaia Dakuitoga
Coach
 Rusty Matua


Final

Europe

Seven teams are entered into the competition. The two lowest ranked teams, Italy and the Netherlands, played each other in a preliminary play-off match. The resulting six teams were split into two groups of three. The two group winning countries qualified for the World Cup, while the runners up in each group contested a play-off for a spot in the 2025 World Series.

Seeding and group draws

The draw for the groups was made on 17 January 2024, with fixtures confirmed on 7 February. [9] [10] Teams were seeded in pairs (highest ranked with second ranked, third with fourth and fifth with sixth) based on their IRL ranking on the date of the draw with one team from each pair in each group.

Group AGroup B
TeamRankTeamRank
Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 8thFlag of France.svg  France 5th
Four Provinces Flag.svg  Ireland 9thFlag of Greece.svg  Greece 10th
Flag of Italy.svg  Italy/
Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 		16th/
18th		Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia 12th

Preliminary playoff

27 April 2024
15:00 CEST (UTC+02:00)
Italy  Flag of Italy.svg6–56Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands
Tries: Severgnini
Goals: Antonia (1/1)
1st: 6–20
2nd: 0–36
Report
Tries: Gevers (3), Geerlings, Van Beukering, Berding, N. Kennedy (3), Blom, Van Diepen
Goals: Berding (4/8), Schouw (0/1),Geerlings (1/1), Van der Zwan (1/1)
Team details
ItalyPositionNetherlands
NameNumberNumberName
Alessandra Menotti1
FB
1Nicole Kennedy
Rwan Hassnien2
WG
2Hiermons Monischa
Loide Agosta3
CE
3Lisa Berding
Camilla Giacomazzo4
CE
4Paige Schouw
Lillian Bremang5
WG
5Hannah Van Beukering
Martina Dall' Antonia6
SO
6Hiske Blom
Valentina Virgili7
SH
7Rixt Aerts
Giulia Iozzi8
PR
8Sele Steenkist
Camilla Vio9
HK
9Ver Van Der Zwan
Vanessa Bertini10
PF
10Lorraine Voorbach
Silvis Gai11
SR
11Linneke Gevers
Altea Forto12
SR
12Sylvie Moelee
Marvin Severgnini13
LF
13Kaylee Geerlings
Alissa Meinero14
IN
14Claire Kennedy
Alice Botiaro15
IN
15Dominique Velema
Ilenia Bollini16
IN
16Dana Burik
Fabiola Tosetii17
IN
17Stephanie Van Diepen
Alberto Suin
Coach
Matt Rigby

Group stage

Group A
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDPtsQualification
1Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales 22007616+604Qualify for 2026 World Cup
2Four Provinces Flag.svg  Ireland 21012640−142Advance to World Series play-off
3Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands 20021864−460
Source: ERL
27 April 2024
14:45 BST (UTC+01:00)
Wales  Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg28–10Four Provinces Flag.svg  Ireland
Tries: Dainton (2), Taylor, Salter, Parker
Goals: Salter (4/5)
1st: 18–4
2nd: 10–6
Report
Tries: Tutty, Molloy
Goals: Cobain (1/3)
Cardiff University Sports Fields, Cardiff
Attendance: 300
Referee: Sam Jenkinson (England)
Team details
WalesPositionIreland
NameNumberNumberName
Brittony Price1
FB
1Cliodhna O'Sullivan
Georgia Taylor2
WG
2Bettie Lambert
Ashlea Prescott3
CE
3Molly Young
Kathryn Salter4
CE
4Francessca Copley
Lucia Davies5
WG
5Grace Tutty
Shaunni Davies6
SO
6Holly O'Dwyer
Rhi Parker7
SH
7Alex McGuinness
Amy Price8
PR
8Mairead Quinn
Jasmine Gibbons9
HK
9Niamh Griffin
Sara Jones10
PF
10Rachel Morton
Hannah Jones11
SR
11Storm Cobain
Charlie Mundy12
SR
12Tricia Doyle
Bethan Dainton13
LF
13Clodagh Dunne
Agnes Wood14
IN
14Megan Preston
Katie Carr15
IN
15Caoimhe Molloy
Ffion Jenkins16
IN
16lydia Egan
Kim Boaler17
IN
17Lisa Callen
Tom Brindle
Coach
Matt Kennerson
19 May 2024
15:00 IST (UTC+01:00)
Ireland  Four Provinces Flag.svg16–12Flag of the Netherlands.svg  Netherlands
Tries: Preston, Cobain (2)
Goals: Cobain (2/3)
 Report
Tries: Van Der Zwan, N. Kennedy, J. Kennedy
Donnybrook Stadium, Dublin
Referee: Fabien Nicaud (France)
Team details
IrelandPositionNetherlands
NameNumberNumberName
Cliodhna O'Sullivan1
FB
1Nicole Kennedy
Alice Fitzegerald2
WG
2Monischa Hiermons
Francessca Copley3
CE
3Claire Kennedy
Mollie Young4
CE
4Linneke Gevers
Bettie Lambert5
WG
5Hannah Van Beukering
Storm Cobain6
SO
6Hiske Blom
Alex McGuinness7
SH
7Rixt Aerts
Mairead Quinn8
PR
8Sela Steenkist
Megan Preston9
HK
9Vera Van Der Zwan
Clodagh Dunne10
PF
10Lorraine Voorbach
Lisa Callan11
SR
11Jessica Kennedy
Tricia Doyle12
SR
12Sylvie Moelee
Caoimhe Molloy13
LF
13Lisa Berding
Niamh Griffin14
IN
14Paige Schouw
Rachel Morton15
IN
15Iris Hansman
Aine Rutley16
IN
16Dominique Velema
Stacy Hanley17
IN
17Stephanie Van Diepen
CS
18Arijanna Van Der Kieft
Matt Jefferson
Coach
Matt Rigby
22 June 2024
16:00 CEST (UTC+02:00)
Netherlands  Flag of the Netherlands.svg6–48Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Tries: Moelee
Goals: Geerlings (1/1)
 Report
Tries: Burnell (2), Price, Gough-Walters (3), Salter, Wood, H Jones, Dainton
Goals: Salter (2/7), Burnell (2/3)
RC Waterland, Purmerend, Netherlands
Referee: Geoffrey Poumes (France)
Team details
NetherlandsPositionWales
NameNumberNumberName
Nicole Kennedy1
FB
1Leanne Burnell
Monischa Hiermons2
WG
2Megan Whittaker
Lisa Berding3
CE
3Kathryn Salter
Linneke Gevers4
CE
4Seren Gough-Walters
Hannah Van Beukering5
WG
5Britonny Price
Rixt Aerts6
SO
6Rhi Parker
Hiske Blom7
SH
7Shaunni Davies
Sela Steenkist8
PR
8Amy Price
Ver Van Der Zwan9
HK
9Jasmine Gibbons
Lorraine Voorbach10
PF
10Sara Jones
Carola Terlouw11
SR
11Hannah Jones
Sylvie Moelee12
SR
12Georgia Taylor
Kaylee Geerlings13
LF
13Bethan Dainton
Dominique Velema14
IN
14Agnes Wood
Claire Kennedy15
IN
15Katie Carr
Kim Dekker16
IN
16Gracie Hobbs
Iris Hansman17
IN
17Ffion Jones
Matt Rigby
Coach
Tom Brindle
Group B
PosTeamPldWDLPFPAPDPtsQualification
1Flag of France.svg  France 22001160+1164Qualify for 2026 World Cup
2Flag of Greece.svg  Greece 21013262−302Advance to World Series play-off
3Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia 2002490−860
Source: ERL
13 April 2024
16:00 CEST (UTC+02:00)
France  Flag of France.svg58–0Flag of Greece.svg  Greece
Tries: Song-Puche, Canal (4), Legout, Vilanove (3), Ramos, Himoudi (2)
Goals: Pommier (5/12)
1st: 28–0
2nd: 30–0
Report
Stade Georges Dartiailh, Marmande
Attendance: 1,112
Referee: James Spencer (Ireland)
Team details
FrancePositionGreece
NameNumberNumberName
Manon Samarra1
FB
1Magdelini Stavrianou
Margot Canal2
WG
2Velissaria Koutsioumpa
Cristina Song-Puche3
CE
3Dimitra Papoutsi
Amael Vilanove4
CE
4Christina Macris
Chahrazad Himoudi5
WG
5Sofia Anagnostopoulou
Justine Roses6
SO
6Cleopatra Velmachou
Mahault Pommier7
SH
7Asimina Mastoraki
Salomé Ségala8
PR
8Marianna Chali,
Fanny Ramos9
HK
9Chrysi Lymperidi
Leila Bessahli10
PF
10Anna Limperi
Ines Legout11
SR
11Maria-Eleni Gkirlemi
Stecy Bessiere12
SR
12Myrsini Pappa
Dorine Samarra13
LF
13Ourania Koutsikou
Helene Leclerc14
IN
14Georgia-Fotini Koutsimpogeorgou
Pauline Noe15
IN
15Ekaterini Varypati
Nabila Zaghdoudi16
IN
16Maria-Anna Lamprou
Tallis Kuresa17
IN
17Sofia-Margarita Kitsaneli
Romain Maillot
Coach
Jim Minadakis
18 May 2024
17:00 EEST (UTC+03:00)
Greece  Flag of Greece.svg32–4Flag of Serbia.svg  Serbia
Tries: Papoutsi (2), Lamprou (2), Koutsikou, Koutsimpogeorgou, Koutsioumpa
Goals: Pappa (2/4)
 Report
Tries: Simic
Agios Dimitrios Stadium, Athens
Referee: James Jones (Wales)
Team details
GreecePositionSerbia
NameNumberNumberName
Kleopatra Velmachou1
FB
1Tamara Bošnjak
Velissaria Koutsioumpa2
WG
2Katarina Veljanovski
Dimitra Papoutsi3
CE
3Teodora Micic
Christina Macris4
CE
4Anastasija Karanovic
Magdelini Stavrianou5
WG
5Jelena Stoiljković
Asimina Mastoraki6
SO
6Natasa Kovacevic
Sofia-Margarita Kitsaneli7
SH
7Lea Milosevic
Maria-Anna Lamprou8
PR
8Marija Maslakovic
Chrysi Lymperidi9
HK
9Karolina Blizanac
Marie Eleni Gkirlemi10
PF
10Anna Liuter
Myrsini Pappa11
SR
11Sanja Starcevic
Anna Limperi12
SR
12Natalija Simic
Ourania Koutsikou13
LF
13Cleopatra Carreno
Sofia Anagnostopoulou14
IN
14Jovana Fridl
Marianna Chali15
IN
15Uma Cengaj
Georgia-Fotini Koutsimpogeorgou16
IN
16Nika Bajic
Sotiria Skouroliakou17
IN
17Dunja Stojiljkovic
Jim Minadakis
Coach
Slobodan Manak
22 June 2024
17:00 CEST (UTC+02:00)
Serbia  Flag of Serbia.svg0–58Flag of France.svg  France
Report
Tries: Monsarrat, Song-Puche (3), Kessely (2), Ramazeilles (2), Samarra, Roses
Goals: Diraison (9/10)
Team details
SerbiaPositionFrance
NameNumberNumberName
Tamara Bosnjak1
FB
1Manon Samarra
Teodora Micic2
WG
2Chahrazad Himoudi
Sanja Starcevic3
CE
3Cristina Song-Puche
Marija Stojsic4
CE
4Amael Vilanove
Anastasija Karanovic5
WG
5Perle Ramazeilles
Ljiljana Bajic6
SO
6Justine Roses
Katarina Veljanovski7
SH
7Lisa Diraison
Natalija Simic8
PR
8Haoua Kessely
Natasa Kovacevic9
HK
9Mahault Pommier
Teodora Marin10
PF
10Perrine Monsarrat
Mihaela Markicevic11
SR
11Ines Legout
Anna Liuter12
SR
12Dorine Samarra
Marija Maslakovic13
LF
13Leila Bessahli
Marija Simovic14
IN
14Noemie Samuel
Milica Cvijetanovic15
IN
15Salome Segala
Nika Bajic16
IN
16Pauline Noe
Uma Cengaj17
IN
17Tallis Kuresa
Slobodan Manak
Coach
Romain Maillot

World Series playoff

The IRL World Rankings were updated in July 2024 following the group stage of the European qualification tournament. This saw Greece move up one spot to ninth and Ireland drop one spot to tenth. As a result, Greece hosted the World Series playoff. [11]

12 October 2024
15:00 EEST (UTC+03:00)
Greece  Flag of Greece.svg6–42Four Provinces Flag.svg  Ireland
Tries: Lamprou
Goals: Pappa (1/1)
 Report
Tries: Doyle, Fitzegerald, Molloy, O'Dwyer, Lambert (2), McGuinness, Tutty
Goals: Cobain (5/8)
Gkorytsa Stadium, Athens
Referee: T. Jones (England)
Team details
GreecePositionIreland
NameNumberNumberName
Cleopatra Velmachou1
FB
1Cliodhna O'Sullivan
Magdelini Stavrianou2
WG
2Alice Fitzegerald
Dimitra Papoutsi3
CE
3Holly O'Dwyer
Chrysi Lymperidi4
CE
4Grace Tutty
Sotiria Skouroliakou5
WG
5Bethany Lambert
Asimina Mastoraki6
SO
6Jade Walker
Sophia Margarita Kitsaneli7
SH
7Alex McGuinness
Ourania Koutsikou8
PR
8Clodagh Dunne
Effie Skouroliakou9
HK
9Polly Roberts
Maria-Eleni Gkirlemi10
PF
10Stacy Hanley
Isaia Maragkou11
SR
11Storm Cobain
Anais Dragoumis12
SR
12Tricia Doyle
Myrsini Pappa13
LF
13Iona McCusker
Sophia Anagnostopoulou14
IN
14Anna Potterton
Triantafyllia Vasilogianni15
IN
15Orlaith McAuliffe
Maria-Anna Lamprou16
IN
16Caoimhe Molloy
Aimilia Kozari17
IN
17Mairead Quinn
Jim Minadakis
Coach
Matt Kennerson

Middle East-Africa

Kenya hosted Nigeria in a two match test series where the winner qualified for the 2025 World Series. [12]

The series saw each team win one match and the aggregate score was 22-all. Under the tournament rules the team with the highest aggregate scores would advance but with the aggregate scores tied, the result had to move to the next deciding criteria. The next deciding criteria was tries scored. Again this was tied with each having scored four. The next deciding criteria was number of goals kicked, which saw Nigeria advance to the World Series with a three to two goal advantage. [13]

19 September 2024
16:00 EAT (UTC+03:00)
Kenya  Flag of Kenya.svg14–22Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria
Tries: Amazimbi, Negesia (2)
Goals: Ochieng (1/3)
 report
Tries: Aladegelu, Ukwuoma, Iliya (2)
Goals: Aladegelu (3/4)
National Youth Centre Organisation, Nairobi
Referee: Stephane Vincent (France)
Team details
KenyaPositionNigeria
NameNumberNumberName
Lawnisky Munayi1
FB
1Blessing Aladegelu
Moreen Atieno2
WG
2Blessing Umude
Lovinah Mijere3
CE
3Endurance Ukwuoma
Lewin Amazimbi4
CE
4Lauretta Bayere
Merisha Negesia5
WG
5Perpetua Nwanya
Diana Omosso6
SO
6Rukayat Akinade
Ann Ochieng7
SH
7Adaeze Innocent
Mercy Khatenje8
PR
8Shukurat Nojimu
Milkah Chitechi9
HK
9Rukayat Jimoh
Dorris Kimani10
PF
10Chinaza Abbah
Sophye Nabwire11
SR
11Muinat Oseni
Kerina Omala12
SR
12Abiola Obazuaye
Angel Salamba13
LF
13Rachel Iliya
Vivian Anyango14
IN
14Becky Okitikpe
Susan Wangechi15
IN
15Success Iyoha
Sharon Bosibori16
IN
16Elizabeth Adie
Faith Oketch17
IN
17Adaolisa Onyedikachi
Antonio Lombardo
Coach
Bolu Fagborun
22 September 2024
16:00 EAT (UTC+03:00)
Kenya  Flag of Kenya.svg8–0Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria
Tries: Negesia
Goals: Omosso (1/4)
Drop goals: Omosso (2)
 report
Impala Club Rugby Ground, Nairobi
Referee: Stephane Vincent (France)
Team details
KenyaPositionNigeria
NameNumberNumberName
Milkah Chitechi1
FB
1Blessing Umude
Merisha Negesia2
WG
2Becky Okitikpe
Susan Wangechi3
CE
3Lauretta Bayere
Lewin Amazimbi4
CE
4Success Iyoha
Lawnisky Munayi5
WG
5Endurance Ukwuoma
Moreen Atieno6
SO
6Blessing Aladegelu
Diana Omosso7
SH
7Adaeze Innocent
Angel Salamba8
PR
8Shukurat Nojimu
Faith Oketch9
HK
9Rukayat Jimoh
Dorris Kimani10
PF
10Chinaza Abbah
Kerina Omala11
SR
11Oseni Muinat
Dorothy Mulela12
SR
12Abiola Obazuaye
Lovinah Mijere13
LF
13Rachel Iliya
Vivian Anyango14
IN
14Rukayat Akinade
Sharon Bosibori15
IN
15Perpetua Nwanna
Sophye Nabwire16
IN
16Elizabeth Adie
Hesslah Khisa17
IN
17Adaolisa Onyedikachi
Antonio Lombardo
Coach
Bolu Fagborun

World Series

2025 Women's Rugby League World Series
Chinguacousy Park 2022.jpg
Donald M. Gordon Chinguacousy Park will host the event
Number of teams4
Host countryFlag of Canada (Pantone).svg Canada
WinnerFlag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Matches played4

The 2025 Women's Rugby League World Series will be the inaugural staging of the Women's World Series, the final qualification phase for 2026 Women's Rugby League World Cup.

The series will be played by:

The winner will qualify for the World Cup.

In March 2025, when announcing the tournament structure, Canada was also announced as the host nation. [14]

Draws

IRL Women's World Rankings
Official rankings as of December 2024
RankChangeTeamPts %
7Increase2.svg 3Four Provinces Flag.svg  Ireland 19
9Decrease2.svg 1Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 17
16Increase2.svg 10Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji 8
17Increase2.svg 1Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria 8

The draw for the competition was based on rank with 1st playing 4th and 2nd playing 3rd in the semi-finals.

Squads

Fixtures

Fixtures for the tournament were initially confirmed in March, and would see the two semi-finals in Brampton with the final in Toronto. [14] In July, the fixtures were revised to include a third-place playoff, and would see all four game played in Brampton. The third-place playoff will act as a friendly and has no bearing on World Cup qualification. [23]

Semi-finals

21 October 2025
15:30 EDT (UTC-04:00)
Ireland  Four Provinces Flag.svg0–10Flag of Nigeria.svg  Nigeria
Report
Tries: Omoghan, Iliya
Goals: Akhabue (0/1), Akeje (1/1)
Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton, Canada
Referee: Kemoy Whyte (Jamaica)
Team details
IrelandPositionNigeria
NameNumberNumberName
Lily Rogan1
FB
1Blessing Umude
Cliodhna O'Sullivan2
WG
2Success Iyoha
Stephanie Carroll3
CE
3Blessing Aladegelu
Mollie Young4
CE
4Abiola Obazuaye
Aimee Clarke5
WG
5Endurance Ukwuoma
Emma Kelly6
SO
6Shondell Akhabue
Jade Walker7
SH
7Innocent Adaeze
Sarah Scambary8
PR
8Adeola King
Niamh Griffin9
HK
9Becky Okitikpe
Aifric Ni Ghibne10
PF
10Fedelia Omoghan
Tricia Doyle11
SR
11Rachel Iliya
Storm Cobain12
SR
12Vera Akhihiero-Pedro
Iona McCusker13
LF
13Faustina Akeje
Polly Roberts14
IN
14Chinaza Abbah
Jemma Gallagher15
IN
15Lauretta Bayere
Stacy Hanley16
IN
16Akinade Rukayat
Martha Dwyer17
IN
17Danyelle Shobanjo
Anna Potterton18
CS
Matt Kennerson
Coach
Bolu Fagborun
21 October 2025
18:00 EDT (UTC-04:00)
Canada  Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg0–48Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Report
Tries: Staples, Marshall (2), Waterman (3), Laing, Paseka (3), Manu
Goals: Waterman (1/1), Yaranamu (2/9)
Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton, Canada
Referee: Tara Jones (England)
Team details
CanadaPositionFiji
NameNumberNumberName
Petra Woods1
FB
1Cassie Staples
Lauren Mueller2
WG
2Tahlia Marshall
Grace Campbell3
CE
3Isabella Waterman
Maddy Aberg4
CE
4Sienna Laing
Candace Scholten5
WG
5Maria Paseka
Alayna Scramstad6
SO/FE
6Sereana Naitokatoka
Danielle Franada7
SH/HB
7Luisa Yaranamu
Sarah Maguire8
PR
8Leilani Asham
Caitlin Sears9
HK
9Teaghan Hartigan
Chantelle Crowl10
PF
10Latisha Smythe
Gabrielle Hindley11
SR
11Tanika Newton
Eleta Mitton12
SR
12Elizabeth Naleba
Megan Pakulis13
LF/LK
13Kelilani Manu
Alanna Fittes14
IN
14Rory Muller
Rachel Choboter15
IN
15Joy Levy
Ada Okonkwo16
IN
16Ebony Laing
Rebecca Kochuk17
IN
17Naomi Tegu
Beth Hoffstetter18
CS
18Kinisalote Vusawa
Matt Barron
Coach
Joe Dakuitoga

Third-place playoff

26 October 2025
13:30 EDT (UTC-04:00)
Ireland  Four Provinces Flag.svg6–36Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
Tries: Doyle 12'
Goals: Cobain (1/2)
 Report
Tries: Pakulis 9'
Mitton 47'
Scholten 52', 75'
Mueller 60'
Campbell 62'
Goals: Aberg (2/2)
Sears (4/4)
Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton, Canada
Referee: Kemoy Whyte (Jamaica)
Team details
IrelandPositionCanada
NameNumberNumberName
Lily Rogan1
FB
1Petra Woods
Lena Kibler2
WG
2Lauren Mueller
Stephanie Carroll3
CE
3Grace Campbell
Anna Potterton4
CE
4Maddy Aberg
Mollie Young5
WG
5Candace Scholten
Emma Kelly6
SO
6Alayna Scramstad
Jade Walker7
SH
7Danielle Franada
Sarah Scambary8
PR
8Sarah Maguire
Polly Roberts9
HK
9Caitlin Sears
Jemma Gallagher10
PF
10Chantelle Crowl
Aifric Ni Ghibne11
SR
11Gabrielle Hindley
Tricia Doyle12
SR
12Beth Hoffstetter
Storm Cobain13
LF
13Megan Pakulis
Iona McCusker14
IN
14Alanna Fittes
Molly Boyne15
IN
15Rachel Choboter
Stacy Hanley16
IN
16Ada Okonkwo
Niamh Griffin17
IN
17Eleta Mitton
Aimee Clarke (not used)18
CS
18Maddie Hobson (not used)
Matt Kennerson
Coach
Matt Baron

Final

26 October 2025
15:00 EDT (UTC-04:00)
Nigeria  Flag of Nigeria.svg4–62Flag of Fiji.svg  Fiji
Tries: Iyoha 38'
 Report
Tries: Paseka 8'
Asham 12', 43', 78'
Laing 14'
Staples 17',31',48',56'
Marshall 20'
Tegu 72'
Goals: Yaranamu (9/11)
Team details
NigeriaPositionFiji
NameNumberNumberName
Blessing Aladeyelu1
FB
1Cassie Staples
Success Iyoha2
WG
2Tahlia Marshall
Abiola Obazuaye3
CE
3Isabella Waterman
Siobhan Sheerin4
CE
4Sienna Laing
Endurance Ukwuoma5
WG
5Maria Paseka
Shondell Akhabue6
SO/FE
6Sereana Naitokatoka
Innocent Adaeze7
SH/HB
7Luisa Yaranamu
Adeola King8
PR
8Leilani Asham
Becky Okitikpe9
HK
9Teaghan Hartigan
Fedelia Omoghan10
PF
10Latisha Smythe
Rachel Iliya11
SR
11Tanika Newton
Vera Akhihiero-Pedro12
SR
12Elizabeth Naleba
Faustina Akeje13
LF/LK
13Kelilani Manu
Chinaza Abbah14
IN
14Rory Muller
Lauretta Bayere15
IN
15Joy Levy
Rukayat Akinade16
IN
16Ebony Laing
Danyelle Shobanjo17
IN
17Naomi Tegu
Aminah Olaniyan (not used)18
CS
18Kinisalote Vusawa (not used)
Bolu Fagborun
Coach
Joe Dakuitoga

Broadcasting

All four matches were streamed globally on CBC Sports YouTube channel. [24]

Notes

  1. 1 2 Plus two as Great Britain

References

  1. ↑ "Rugby League World Cup 2026 women's qualifying process announced". Rugby League International Federation.
  2. ↑ "2026 Rugby League World Cup: Women's qualification process announced, with four nations' places already secured". LoveRugbyLeague. December 15, 2023.
  3. 1 2 "Americas women's WC qualifiers announced". europeanrugbyleague.com. European Rugby League. 30 January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
  4. 1 2 3 "Americas RLWCQ draw revised after removal of Brazil". Rugby League International Federation. 17 June 2024. Retrieved 17 June 2024.
  5. ↑ Neil Davidson (November 8, 2024). "Canada Ravens set to face U.S. Hawks in Women's Rugby League World Cup qualifier". Penticton Herald. The Canadian Press.
  6. ↑ "Canada 40 8 United States". European Rugby League. 9 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  7. ↑ "2024 Pacific Championships Draw Announced". NRL. NRL Media Release. 30 Aug 2024. Retrieved 30 Aug 2024.
  8. ↑ Walter, Brad (30 Aug 2024). "Penitani primed for World Cup qualifiers with Tonga". NRL. Retrieved 30 Aug 2024.
  9. ↑ "Celtic nations to face each otherin WC qualifying draw". European Rugby League. 17 January 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  10. ↑ "Fixtures confirmed for women's WC European qualifiers". European Rugby League. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  11. ↑ "Women's European RLWC qualifying play off confirmed". European Rugby League. 9 August 2024. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  12. ↑ "Details announced for MEA Women's World Cup qualifiers". European Rugby League. 21 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  13. ↑ "Kenya 8 v 0 Nigeria". European Rugby League. 22 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  14. 1 2 "Canada to host historic IRL Women's World Series". Rugby League International Federation.
  15. ↑ "IRL World Series 2025: Canada Ravens name extended squad". International Rugby League. 10 September 2025. Retrieved 10 September 2025.
  16. ↑ "IRL World Series 2025: Canada Ravens finalise squad". International Rugby League. 14 October 2025. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
  17. ↑ "IRL World Series 2025: Fiji Bulikula name extended squad". International Rugby League. 19 September 2025. Retrieved 19 September 2025.
  18. ↑ "IRL World Series 2025: Fiji Bulikula name final squad". International Rugby League. 15 October 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  19. ↑ "IRL World Series 2025: Ireland name extended squad". International Rugby League. 18 September 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
  20. ↑ "IRL World Series 2025: Ireland name final squad". International Rugby League. 15 October 2025. Retrieved 16 October 2025.
  21. ↑ "IRL World Series 2025: Nigeria name extended squad". International Rugby League. 12 September 2025. Retrieved 12 September 2025.
  22. ↑ "IRL World Series 2025: Nigeria name final squad". International Rugby League. 18 October 2025. Retrieved 8 October 2025.
  23. ↑ "IRL Women's World Series 2025: Venue and kick-off times confirmed". International Rugby League. 9 July 2025. Retrieved 10 July 2025.
  24. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fcfjoo8dd/
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