The Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins, from L-R Christabelle and Danielle Photo: Christabelle and Danielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa
Pasifika siblings have made a huge impact at the highest levels of world rugby.
After appearing at multiple World Cups, players such as Ardie and Julian Savea, and Akira and Rieko Ioane, have become household names in the rugby circles around the world.
Now, a new pair of rising stars is making waves: the Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins, Demielle and Christabelle.
At just 20 years old, the twins gained recognition last year by representing New Zealand as part of the Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad.
This year, they have been selected to play for Penina Pasifika, a team established in collaboration with Rugby Australia and the Australian government.
The mission of Penina Pasifika is to create opportunities for Pacific women in rugby by providing essential playing and professional development resources.
The current squad consists of 17 players from Samoa and 13 from Tonga, who will compete against Super W teams in their preseason matches.
Demielle expressed her excitement about the opportunities ahead.
"This is a big opportunity for us. We didn't have a lot coming from the islands, and I think this is a cool opportunity for us," she said.
And for Christabelle, she shared her initial doubts about their potential.
"It wasn't until we started playing later on in our teenage years that we didn't think we'd make it. I advise others back home to dream big."
The twins made their debut in 2018, representing their high school, Robert Louis Stevenson, in the secondary girls' school competition.
At 14, the pair became some of the youngest representatives for Samoa in the Manusina squad.
Their father, Setu Tuilaepa, also played for Manu Samoa, and they fondly remember waking up early to support him as he advocated for grassroots rugby in their communities.
Reflecting on their upbringing, the twins appreciate the challenges they faced back home:
"We didn't have a gym, but we had the ma'ummaga (plantation). We didn't have a nutrition plan, but we had good food growing up from taro, to pawpaw, and lu'au (taro leaves)," Christabelle said.
Coach Mataafa Ramsey Tomokino is optimistic about this year's young team, hoping their enthusiasm will energize the squad.
He also acknowledged the legacy of their [twins] father, expressing his hopes that the girls will emulate his success.
For Coach Tomokino, his hopes is for the team qualify for the women's Super rugby competition in Australia, where they would have the chance to face teams like the Fijian Drua women's team.
Despite limited preparation, he remains determined to demonstrate the strength of Pasifika rugby, stating, "Our goal is to be competitive and showcase our players' capabilities at this level.
"As natural navigators, the ocean connects us, equipping us to embrace challenges and embrace our role as underdogs in Australia. We recognize the effort it took for our ancestors to pave the way, and I admire that this youthful team is eager to represent their Pasifika heritage, despite having alternative opportunities," Tomokino added.
Oceania Rugby released a statement from general manager Frank Puletua, emphasising the vital role of the Penina Pasifika program in promoting women's rugby in the region.
"The growth and visibility of women's rugby is significantly influencing the youth across the Pacific," he said.
"The inspiration from Penina Pasifika is substantial and underscores the importance of this team in advancing the sport for women and girls in the Pacific."
Tonga Rugby Union chief executive Aisea Aholelei highlighted the initiative's importance for women's rugby in Tonga, while Lakapi Samoa CEO Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun pointed out that the program is essential for enhancing development pathways for women and girls in Samoa, leading to elite competition opportunities.
For the Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins, they believe that this is just the beginning of their journey, encouraging others to "remember to dream big and keep going."
