A special moment is on the horizon for the Vodafone Fijiana XV team as sisters Setaita Railumu and Adi Salaseini Railumu prepare to take the field together for the first time in their national white jerseys.
Setaita, the elder sister, has been a key player for the Vodafone Fijiana XV since 2022 and has also represented the Fijiana Drua team. Meanwhile, her younger sibling, Adi Salaseini, is stepping into the international spotlight, making her debut with the national team.
For the Railumu family, this occasion is a dream realized. Setaita expressed her pride in Adi for her dedication during training.
“When I heard our manager announce the names, and then I heard my sister’s name, I couldn’t help but burst into tears! I am incredibly happy to be representing Fiji alongside my sister. It’s a dream come true for our parents, who have been our biggest supporters since we began playing rugby,” Setaita shared.
Adi reflected on their journey, saying, “We played rugby together back in 2019 and clinched the Women’s Skipper Cup for Tailevu. Although Setaita made it to the national team and the Fijiana Drua first, I’m thrilled to finally join her in representing our country.”
The younger Railumu is eager to make her mark in her inaugural test match. “I have always admired how Setaita plays, and every time her team won, our family felt immense pride. I hope to bring the same joy to our family by helping our team secure a victory,” she stated.
Both sisters are looking forward to traveling to Scotland for their first test match on Sunday, September 15, which is set to kick off at 3:45 am (FJT) at the Hive Stadium.
Following this, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will embark on a historic journey to the Netherlands for their first-ever encounter against the Orange Ladies. This match is slated for Thursday, September 19, at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam.
Subsequently, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will face challenging opponents in the WXV3 tournament, squaring off against Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain. The tournament will commence on September 27.