A touching moment unfolds for the Vodafone Fijiana XV team as sisters Setaita Railumu and Adi Salaseini Railumu prepare to play together for the first time in their national jersey.
Setaita, the elder sister, has been an integral part of the Vodafone Fijiana XV since 2022 and also plays for the Fijiana Drua team. Adi Salaseini, her younger sister, is set to make her international debut with the national squad.
For the Railumu family, this occasion marks a significant milestone. Setaita expressed immense pride in her sister’s efforts and dedication during training. She described the emotional moment when she learned of Adi’s selection, stating, “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 represent Fiji alongside my sister. It’s a dream come true for our parents, who have always supported us since we began playing rugby.”
Adi Salaseini reflected on their shared journey, noting, “We both played rugby together in 2019 and won the Women’s Skipper Cup for Tailevu. We joined the extended national squad in 2021, but Setaita made it to the national team and the Fijiana Drua. Now, I’m excited to join her.”
The younger Railumu sister aims to make a significant impact in her debut test match. “I’ve always watched how Setaita played, and whenever her team won, our family felt immense pride. I want to bring that same joy to our family by helping our team secure a victory.”
Both sisters are enthusiastic about their upcoming trip to Scotland for their first test match on Sunday, September 15. The match is set to begin 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 inaugural match against the Orange Ladies, scheduled for Thursday, September 19, at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam.
Later, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will face challenging opponents in the WXV3 tournament, with matches lined up against Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain, starting on September 27.