A touching moment is set to unfold for the Vodafone Fijiana XV team as sisters Setaita Railumu and Adi Salaseini Railumu take the field together for the first time in the national team’s white jersey.
Setaita, the elder sister, has been a vital part of the Vodafone Fijiana XV since 2022, and has also played for the Fijiana Drua team. Meanwhile, her younger sister, Adi Salaseini, is making her international debut, marking a significant milestone for the sisters and their family.
Setaita expressed her pride in her sister’s efforts during their training sessions. “When I heard the manager announce the names, and then my sister’s name, I started bawling my eyes out! I am so happy to be flying the Fijian flag with my sister. It’s a dream come true for our parents who have always supported us since we started playing rugby,” she said.
Adi Salaseini shared similar sentiments, reflecting on their journey together in rugby. “We both played rugby together in 2019 and won the Women’s Skipper Cup for Tailevu. Then we both joined the extended national squad in 2021, but it was Setaita who made it to the national team and the Fijiana Drua. Now, I’m excited to join her,” she stated.
As she prepares for her first test match, Adi aims to make an impact. “I’ve always watched how Setaita played, and whenever her team won, our family was so proud. I want to bring that same joy to our family by helping our team secure a win,” she added.
Both sisters are looking forward to their first test match in Scotland on Sunday, September 15, with kickoff scheduled for 3:45 am (FJT) at the Hive Stadium. Following this, they will make history as the Vodafone Fijiana XV travels to the Netherlands for their inaugural match against the Orange Ladies, which is set for Thursday, September 19, at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam.
Furthermore, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will face formidable opponents in the WXV3 tournament, which begins on September 27, featuring matches against Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain.