A Historic Campaign to Remember for Fetū Samoa
Fetū Samoa’s Rugby League World Cup 2026 campaign has come to an end following a semi-final defeat to the New Zealand Kiwi Ferns at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle on Saturday.
While the result brings an end to Samoa’s journey towards a maiden World Cup final, it does little to diminish what this group has accomplished throughout the tournament. For a team that returned to the Women’s Rugby League World Cup after an 18-year absence, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in the nation’s history marks a defining moment for Samoan women’s rugby league. Under head coach Frank Pritchard and co-captains Annetta Nu’uausala and Evania Isa’ako, Fetū Samoa delivered a campaign that showcased the talent, determination and growing strength of the women’s game in Samoa. Their journey was built on performances that demanded attention. After opening the tournament against Australia, the team responded with a commanding 76-0 victory over Wales before producing one of the competition’s standout results, defeating England 24-6 to secure their place in the final four.
The victory over England was particularly significant. It was the result that confirmed Fetū Samoa as first-time World Cup semi-finalists, rewarding the work of the players, coaching staff and everyone who has contributed to the programme over the years. One of the defining moments of that historic victory came from 18-year-old Freedom Crichton-Ropati, who announced herself on the World Cup stage with a remarkable hat-trick on debut. Her performance was a reflection of the emerging talent within the squad and the next generation of Samoan women ready to make their mark on the international game. Throughout the campaign, the team demonstrated that its strength extended beyond individual performances. Experienced leaders and emerging players came together with a shared purpose, carrying the Samoan jersey with pride and representing the families, communities and supporters behind them.
Although the Kiwi Ferns proved too strong in Saturday’s semi-final, Fetū Samoa leave this tournament having achieved something that previous generations helped lay the foundations for. Their return to the World Cup has delivered the nation’s first appearance in a women’s semi-final, creating a new benchmark for those who will follow. For the young girls watching across Samoa and throughout the Pacific, this team has shown what is possible. They have provided a new generation with something to aspire to and another reason to believe that Samoan women belong on the biggest stages of international rugby league.
To our girls, thank you. Thank you for the commitment, the sacrifices, the courage and the pride you brought to every performance. Your campaign may have come to an end, but the significance of what you have achieved will continue well beyond this tournament. We are incredibly proud of Fetū Samoa. You made history, carried the jersey with honour and gave Samoa a World Cup campaign to remember.
Congratulations to the Kiwi Ferns on securing their place in the Rugby League World Cup 2026 final, and congratulations to both teams for their efforts in Newcastle.
