Setaita and Salaseini Railumu, sisters from Fiji, are on the verge of realizing their lifelong dream by potentially playing together for the Vodafone Fijiana XV team. Setaita, the elder sibling, has been a dedicated member of the national squad since 2022 and has also played for the Fijiana Drua team. Salaseini, the younger sister, is poised to make her national team debut, marking a pivotal moment in their rugby careers.
For the Railumu family, the opportunity for both sisters to represent Fiji on an international platform is immensely fulfilling. Setaita expressed her heartfelt pride in Salaseini’s commitment to the sport and her excitement about playing alongside her sister. “When I heard the manager announce the names, and then my sister’s name, I started bawling my eyes out,” Setaita shared with Fiji Rugby media. “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.”
The sisters have a background of playing rugby together, previously winning the Women’s Skipper Cup for Tailevu in 2019. Salaseini fondly recalled, “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.”
The sisters are looking forward to their first test match in Scotland on Sunday, September 15, scheduled to kick off at 3:45 am Fiji time at the Hive Stadium.