Latest news with #Manusina
ABC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Samoa's twin sisters Christabelle and Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa are part of a new wave of pacific athletes proudly blending cultural roots with high performance sport
Twin sisters Christabelle and Demielle Onosemo-Tuilaepa have made headlines over the past year since they burst onto the rugby league scene representing New Zealand in the Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad. Now they've switched codes and countries pulling on the blue jersey for Samoa with Manusina. But their story goes much deeper than just that game. At just 20 years old, they are part of a new wave of Pacific athletes who proudly blend their cultural roots with high-performance sports. For them, their journey is literally drawn on their skin. They wear the malu, a special Samoan tattoo given to women as a symbol of protection, service and pride in their heritage. "Wearing our malu on the world stage reminds us of the responsibility and honour we hold," Demielle said. "Whenever we step onto that field, we carry our family, community and culture with us. It's a powerful feeling that keeps us motivated." Representing Samoa For these sisters, rugby isn't just a game. It's a sacred space where who they are, their family, and their faith all come together. Their debut was a proud moment, not just for their team and supporters, but for their village back home and the generations that came before. "Representing Samoa means everything to us," Christabelle said. "I had to leave my parents, siblings, and village at a young age, but wearing this jersey and representing Samoa makes it all worth it." Demielle and Christabelle with their family ( Supplied ) This cultural weight isn't a burden, it's their strength. "Our power and toughness are our superpowers," Demielle said. "That Pasifika strength runs in our veins. However, it's not just about being physically strong. It's about using that strength with discipline and working together." Training overseas for big competitions isn't just about fitness and game plans. For Christabelle and Demielle, their foundation is even deeper — it's spiritual. "We stay grounded through prayer," Christabelle said. "That keeps us steady. We start and end every day with God, and that gives us peace and clarity." It's a rhythm they've committed to and one that will be important this weekend, as they gear up for Manusina's next clash against Australia A in Canberra tomorrow. With a powerful opponent ahead, the twins are leaning into everything they've built. "We've put in the work — now it's about trusting ourselves and enjoying the moment," said Christabelle. "I want to do my role well and serve my team with everything I have." Demielle added: "My biggest goal is to enjoy the moment, to play the game I love with joy and freedom, but also to be someone my teammates can rely on." It will be another test of their strength, discipline and unity, values deeply rooted in both their culture and preparation. The twin connection Being twins gives them a special connection that training alone can't teach. On the field, knowing each other's moves, moods and pace has become one of their biggest advantages. "We always say: if one of us shines, we both shine," Christabelle said. "When one is feeling down, the other lifts them. Playing together is a blessing." "She's my anchor," Demielle said. "Having her beside me always feels like home, no matter where we are in the world." Their bond isn't just about playing, it's about that unspoken sisterly language - in tackles, tries, words of encouragement, and quiet moments before a game. Now that their debut is behind them, the twins are focusing on growing, not just for themselves, but for their team and the next generation of young Samoan girls. The Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins have switched codes and countries now representing Samoa in rugby for Manusina ( Supplied ) "We're both working on improving ourselves," Christabelle said. "But our real goal is to be relentless. I want to do my part well and support my team with everything I've got." "I want my teammates to trust me," Demielle said. "It's the small things — communicating, doing that extra bit — that make a difference." Their long-term dream? Seeing more young Samoan girls chase their rugby dreams, whether they're in Samoa or the diaspora, staying true to who they are. "Never give up on your goals," Christabelle said. "Even when no one is watching, keep showing up. You belong on that field just as much as anyone." "Say yes to the tough moments," Demielle said. "Believe in yourself, even if you're unsure. Your culture is your biggest strength. Keep going — we're cheering for you." For Christabelle and Demielle Onosemo-Tuilaepa, the malu isn't just ink. It's a daily reminder of their role to serve, carry and inspire. Their legacy isn't just about what they do in 80 minutes of rugby, it's about honouring their ancestors and paving the way for those who come after. And this, they say, is just the start.
ABC News
13-06-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Manusina Samoa primed to reclaim women's Oceania Championship title from Fijiana
Another battle royal can be anticipated in Sigatoka when host nation Fiji lock horns once again with Samoa to decide who will be Oceania Women's Rugby champions for 2025. Two years ago, Manusina got the job done by a single point, but last year it was Fiji who came out on top, beating their arch-rivals 27-13. The two sides have warmed up for what essentially is a grand final by scoring big wins over Tonga, but tomorrow is expected to be a much closer and hard fought encounter. Fresh from running in three tries against the Tongans, Davina Lasini will line up again on the wing again for Manusina, and she says it's hard to separate her team from the Fijians.
RNZ News
11-06-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Manusina beats Tonga and turns focus to Fiji
Photo: Oceania Rugby Samoa's women's national team, the Manusina, dominated their first game at the Oceania Women's Rugby Championship in Sigatoka, Fiji on Tuesday, with a big 64-14 win over Tonga. Captain Masuimatamaalii Tauasa Pauaraisa said after the game it was a good start, with seven new players making their debuts. Pauaraisa, the recipient of the Seiuli Fiao'o Fa'amausili Women's Player of the Year at the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame awards earlier this year, said their focus now shifts to Fiji. The two teams are set to play off for the winner's crown on Saturday. The Fijians defeated Tonga 59-15 last weekend, and meeting Samoa will confirm which of the two teams becomes the 2025 champion. The Fijiana are the defending champions. "So one down, and we have a lot of work leading up to the Fijiana game," Pauaraisa said. "We came over from Auckland and we got seven debutants and I'm so proud of them." Manusina led 33-0 at halftime. Photo: Oceania Rugby A former New Zealand Warriors player in the NRL-W, Pauaraisa told RNZ Pacific in an previous interview they are focused on using the Oceania meet as their warm-up to the Women's Rugby World Cup, which will be in England from 22 August. Fiji will also be at the event. Meanwhile, Tonga Lofa XV captain Tonga Tuiaki said they are learning a lot from the tournament, especially with a number of new players included in their team this year. "Congratulations to [Samoa] on the win. Since we're getting to this level, I know we have to put in a lot, since we're playing at this very high level. "I think our team did great and I'm super proud of them - even though for some of the girls it's a new level, they showed themselves and I respect them all." The side scored two tries in the second half and showed resilience of defence in the second 40-minute spell. The majority of the Tonga players are local based. Saturday's Manusina XV and Fijiana XV battle at Lawaqa Park will kick off at 3pm local time. Meanwhile, Rugby Australia has announced Australia A Women will face Manusina Samoa in a pre-World Cup clash on 28 June in Canberra. The Wallaroos will play Manusina in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup in Manchester on 23 August. Samoa won last year's clash in Apia, a late penalty goal securing a 20-17 win. Rugby Australia said the clash will also serve as a chance for Wallaroos hopefuls to press their claims for selection, ahead of tests against New Zealand and Wales in the build-up to September's World Cup in England. The fixture is supported by the Australian Government's PacificAus Sports programme.
