Twin sisters Christabelle and Demielle Onesemo have written themselves into the history books as the first set of twins and siblings to represent Samoa in women’s rugby, having been named in the Manusina squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
The Samoa women’s team are on route to their first RWC since 2014 – to be hosted by England from 22 August to 27 September 2025.
Affectionately known as “Bella” and “Ella” the Onesemo-Tuilaepa twins have been making headlines over the past year since they burst onto the rugby league scene representing New Zealand in the Ahi Kā Aotearoa squad.
Their move from league to rugby is deeply rooted in their Samoan heritage, with the twins wanting to represent their family and country, and to honor their father, Setu Tuilaepa, who had played for the Manu Samoa 7s and 15s, and also coached Samoa’s Under 20s.
The code switch quickly paid off when the twins both got the call-up to the Manusina, with their older sister Rialani Onesemo-Tuilaepa later joining them.
Both Christabelle and Demielle had made their test debuts for Manusina in the Oceania Rugby Championship – contributing to Samoa’s win against Tonga.
Rilani’s debut during the Manusina vs Australia test match on 28 June this year was another historical day for Samoa women’s rugby – with three sisters all named in the squad.
The twins’ elder sister, Menorah Tuilaepa congratulates her younger siblings for being named in the Manusina XV Rugby World Cup Squad, attributing their achievement to hard work and the prayerful tapuaiga of parents and family.
“Years of commitment, perseverance and prayers..
“Fa’afetai tali tatalo a matua o lo’o tapua’i a’o saili manuia.”
Menorah says the reminder to the twins remains the same.
“Not everyone is blessed and privileged with these opportunities, use them well ❤️” advises their older sibling, “Viia Le Alii.”
Christabelle and Demielle Onesemo were born in Samoa and began playing rugby at a young age, participating in local secondary school competitions and village rugby teams in Samoa,
With limited resources and support for women’s grassroots rugby, their mother, Fuimapoao Fuimaono Beth Onesemo, was often the Manager of those school and village teams, while their father coached.
The twins’ mom, Fuimapoao, who is a candidate in Samoa’s upcoming general election, had also served a term on the Lakapi Samoa Board when World Rugby governance reforms imposed 3 compulsory seats for the inclusion of women.
“Growing up in the islands we didn’t have a lot of resources,” said Christabelle, “we didn’t get to go to the gym ..we just had to train with what we had.”
“Looking at how far we’ve come, we’re just so grateful to where we are right now.”
Christabelle – a flanker, and Demielle – a lock and loose forward, have also made headlines for being tamaitai Samoa who wear the malu, a traditional 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 shares.
“Whenever we step onto that field, we carry our family, community, and culture with us. It’s a powerful feeling that keeps us motivated.”
“We would like to thank our parents, our siblings, our extended families.. our villages… your sacrifice is the reason for us being here.”
The Onesemo-Tuilaepa sisters hail from the villages of Lepa, Vavau, Letogo, Salani and Malaemalu Falealili, Ulutogia, Fasitoo-uta, Moataa, Fagalii, Vailoa Palauli and Safotu.
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