The Fiji Pearls’ failure to qualify for the 2027 Netball World Cup marks the beginning of a rebuilding period for Fiji Netball after the side missed out on the tournament for the first time in 16 years.

Back-to-back defeats to Samoa and Tonga in the Oceania qualifiers ended Fiji’s hopes of claiming one of the region’s two automatic qualification spots, with Samoa and Tonga securing their places in Sydney.

The Pearls had featured at the 2015, 2019 and 2023 World Cups, making the latest setback a significant moment for the national programme.

With no additional world-ranking pathway available under the current qualification system, Fiji’s focus will now shift towards strengthening its player development and preparing for future international competitions.

The programme will have the 2029 Pacific Mini Games and the 2031 Netball World Cup qualification cycle as key long-term targets as Fiji looks to rebuild and return to the world stage.