Five years ago, Setaita Railumu had just started playing rugby unclear on where this path would take her.
Fast-forward to 2024, the 22-year-old halfback is preparing with the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua women to defend their title as they sail to their third consecutive Super W final.
Railumu joined the Drua squad last season and has forced her way into the main team, providing a lot of depth at the halfback position which she shares with Evivi Senikarivi and Noelani Baselala.
The Nakelo in Tailevu lass started in the semi-final match against the Western Force in Suva and was replaced in the second half by Senikarivi.
“We must take our performance up a notch as we were easily giving away too many penalties so, this week we just have to improve on our weaknesses,” she said.
It will take more than just that as they must be mentally ready for a Waratahs team that handed them their biggest defeat of the season at home in round two.
This and a little push by the fans could provide the winning formular on Sunday.
“The fans really helped us a lot in that semi-final match, so we appreciate each and everyone of our loyal supporters. It was new to us to see the major turnout from people, and we ask for the same support when we play in the final,” Railumu added.
Known as “Pei” by her teammates and those close her, the former Tailevu women’s rugby player is not the first Railumu to make the Drua women’s team.
Her older sister, Susana Railumu, was also part of last year’s squad.
Their younger sister Adi Salaseini Railumu also plays rugby and had switched to the sevens code last year.
