Canada will host Fiji, Ireland and Nigeria in the inaugural World Series to determine the final berth at the IRL Women’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 in Australia and Papua New Guinea at the end of next year. With the growing popularity of women’s sport, and Rugby League, in Canada – the International Rugby League and Canada Rugby League are delighted to announce that CBC Sports will carry all the games for the first time, on their YouTube channel.
The World Series features qualifying nations from Africa (Nigeria), Americas (Canada), Europe (Ireland) and the Pacific (Fiji) in an elimination tournament for the right to join Australia, England, France, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and Wales at RLWC2026.
The Ravens, who will be aiming to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, won the 2024 Americas qualifying tournament in Florida against Jamaica and the United States. Fiji, Ireland and Nigeria are yet to feature in a Women’s World Cup.
As the highest ranked nation in the IRL World Rankings, Ireland will take on Nigeria, who are the lowest ranked nation, with Canada to face Fiji in the other semi-final, with the two winners to meet in the final to decide the remaining World Cup berth.
Both semi-finals will take place on Tuesday, October 21 as a doubleheader at Terry Fox Stadium inBrampton, Ontario with Ireland and Nigeria Green Falcons to kick-off at 3.30 p.m. ET, followed by the second-ranked Canada Ravens against the Fiji Bulikula at 6 p.m. ET
The final will be played on Sunday, October 26 at Terry Fox Stadium, with kick-off at 3:30 p.m. ET after the third-place play-off at 1 p.m. between the consolation finalists, which will be for World Rankings points.
Canada Rugby League Association President, John Cameron, said: “Having all of the matches at one central location, at Terry Fox Stadium, with its brand-new field, will mean the best experience for our athletes and our fans. We’re delighted to have the City of Brampton and the IRL as such great partners as we look forward to hosting this event in the coming weeks – and welcoming the Rugby League World. For those who can’t experience in person, we’re delighted to partner with CBC Sports, for audiencesaround the world to share in this historic occasion.”
Patrick Brown, Mayor of Brampton, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the 2025 Women’s Rugby League World Series to Brampton. This exciting event, hosted in partnership with International Rugby League and the Canadian Rugby League Association, will showcase the incredible talent of female athletes from around the world.
“With teams representing Canada, Fiji, Ireland, and Nigeria, Brampton will be at the heart of this international competition. We are particularly proud that the Canadian Ravens team will feature athletes from across the country, including local stars from the Ontario Osprey and Brampton Beavers.
“As we host matches at Terry Fox Stadium and community events at the Brampton Rugby Club, this event offers a unique opportunity to celebrate women in sport, foster community pride, and reinforce Brampton as a premier destination for world-class sporting events. We look forward to an inspiring week of competition and camaraderie”.
=Fans can purchase tickets online at Eventbite:
Venue: Terry Fox Stadium, Brampton, Ontario
Tickets: Tuesday, October 21
Semi-final: Ireland v Nigeria (3.30pm)
Semi-final: Canada v Fiji (6pm)Tickets:Sunday, October 26
Third-place play-off: 1 p.m.
Final: 3.30 p.m.
