Fiji Face Risk of Being Kicked Out of 2026 Rugby League World Cup

Fiji Bati’s place at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup is in jeopardy after the Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) failed to submit its Annual Membership Audit for three consecutive years. The overdue documents, missing since 2023, have prompted International Rugby League (IRL) administrators to recommend reclassifying the FNRL from full to affiliate membership.

Should the IRL board ratify the downgrade, Fiji would forfeit its voting rights within the global governing body and, critically, lose eligibility to compete in the 2026 tournament. The FNRL now has two options: accept the reclassification or lodge an appeal.

FNRL Chairman Apenisa Dansey confirmed he was alerted to the crisis during a recent virtual meeting with the IRL secretary general. “He has instructed that our football administrator, Mr Epeli Tagivetaua, get in contact with Mr Butler who will help him out by virtual meeting,” Dansey told the Fiji Sun. “Mr Tagivetaua has been in contact with Mr Butler and working on the best solution so that we can be compliant with our membership.”

If Fiji are forced to withdraw, the IRL is expected to offer the vacant slot to either Jamaica or South Africa.