Rugby an affair for 4 siblings
Rugby is a family affair for Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua forwards and sisters, Karalaini Naisewa and Keleni Marawa.
The siblings were part of the team that created history winning the Super W title beating Waratahs 32-26 at AAMI Park, Melbourne on April 23.
They are the third and fourth in their family to wear the white jersey. First was their brother Luke Tagi, who was part of the Flying Fijians extended squad and also the Fijian Drua team that won the Australian National Rugby Championship in 2018.
Tagi currently plays club rugby in France. From Nawamagi, Nadroga they share maternal links to Nakorosule, Naitasiri. Their youngest sister Taraivini Adiraba followed Tagi to be second in their family when she played for the Fi
jiana 15s in the Asia Pacific Tri Nations Championship at Churchill Park in Lautoka in 2019 along with Naisewa.
Their mother Torika Odro is the first cousin of Naitasiri senior
men’s team captain Sireli Kaloucava. Their father passed away last year.
On Monday after the siblings were accorded a traditional welcome and feasting at their home, older sister
Miriama Marawa said it was a joyous occasion and a proud moment for their family.
“Our mother was over the moon when they were selected for the Fijiana Drua team. She was happy because she supported them from when they started playing rugby.
“And reaching this far, I don’t how to describe how happy are we at home,” Miriama said.
“She was always encouraging them, how I wish our father was here to see them.
“We support them 100 per cent, we’re always there for them because we know someday they will be there at the top.”
The duo started with the Malolo women in 2018 and played sevens rugby with various clubs.
“Then they played for Lautoka in the Vanua championship, now in the Skipper Cup following their win last year,” she said.
In 2018, Naisewa was selected along Adiraba in the Fijiana 15s that played against Japan and Hong Kong at Churchill Park.
“They were all part of the extended squad preparing for the Super W comp however Adiraba withdrew when she could not keep up with training.
“Keleni did not really expect to be selected as she went for the trials just for the sake of it. She was surprised when her name was called out and had to confirm it with Kara.
They have their family backing that they will be in the World Cup to be held in New Zealand from October 8 toNovemeber 12.