Bulikula search on
The Fiji National Rugby League is not wasting any minute in indicating that selection for Fiji Bulikula is open. “After the recent announcement of the Fiji Bulikula’s inclusion in the World Cup qualifiers, FNRL are starting to build the network in getting in touch with Adrian Vowles who had coached the women’s team in 2019,” FNRL chief executive officer Don Natabe said yesterday.
“We’ve maintained most of our coaching staff from 2019 with the Bati and we’re looking to do the same with the Bulikula, in the next five months we’re looking to have discussions with the coaching staff.”
Vowles has confirmed his availability to coach the team.
“We’re excited to have a person of his caliber. He has been on board the past three years,” he said.
“The last squad in 2019, we had eight overseas players. From an extended squad we had interest from 30 women and this year with the rise in women’s participation in rugby league we expect those numbers to rise again.
“I know a lot of A-grade players in Australia and New Zealand who would want to come.
“I think it’s safe to say at this time the door is open for everyone to be part of the team.
“I think it comes back to performance and what the coaches’ want to see in individual players and positions to be able to select a good team to be part of the qualifying process.”
Meanwhile core of the Fiji Bulikula will be selected from domestic competitions.
FNRL is considering possible test matches in 2023 ahead of preparations for Nines Medal event at the XVII Pacific Games in Honiara.
“I think the missing link for all these years was having a women’s senior competition,” he said.
“We’re glad that as part of our board strategy in 2020, we were able to include women in the Eastern state of origin.
The long awaited inaugural women’s 13’s competition from 13 clubs will be launched in Suva next weekend.
The Bulikula last played their international test in 2019 against the Australian PM’s XIII at the then ANZ Stadium (now HFC Bank Stadium) on October 11th. The visitors won 22-14.
The side was then captained by Josephine Maejiirs. It also included Olympic bronze medallist and now Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua utility back Roela Radiniyavuni, Jiowana Sauto and Timaima Ravisa.