The Vodafone Fijiana XV team is set for a touching moment as sisters Setaita Railumu and Adi Salaseini Railumu will play together for the first time donning the white jersey.
Setaita, the elder sister, has been an integral part of the Vodafone Fijiana XV squad since 2022 and has also played for the Fijiana Drua team. Meanwhile, her younger sister Adi Salaseini is preparing to make her international debut as a member of the national team.
This occasion is not just a milestone for the sisters but also a dream realized for the Railumu family. Setaita expressed her pride in her sister’s dedication during training, saying, “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.”
Adi Salaseini reflected on their shared journey in rugby, noting, “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.”
With her debut match approaching, Adi is eager to make an impression. “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.”
The sisters are looking forward to their first test match in Scotland on Sunday, 15th September, with kick-off slated for 3:45 am (FJT) at the Hive Stadium.
Following this match, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will embark on a historic journey to the Netherlands to face the Orange Ladies, marking their first encounter on Thursday, 19th September, at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam.
Subsequently, the team will compete in the WXV3 tournament, facing challenges against Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain, starting on 27th September.