Sereana Salalo/PACNEWS

This is the sentiment of Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Iosefo Masi.

The Waitabu, Taveuni native expressed his pride as his older brother, Filipe Sauturaga, made his Olympic debut during their quarter-final match against Ireland.

Sauturaga was one of two players traveling as injury cover.

The duo previously played together at the 2022 Rugby Sevens World Cup, where Fiji lifted the Melrose Cup for the third time.

"This is a special Olympics playing alongside my brother.

“Our family will be proud of us, and I hope we will make a memory out of it by winning gold," Masi said.

Being named the 14th man for Team Fiji Men’s Rugby Sevens Team was a bit disappointing for Sauturaga’s family.

However, the 30-year-old reminded them not to lose hope.

Sauturaga was optimistic that he would have the chance to play alongside his brother.

This came true when he was named on the bench and replaced Kaminieli Rasaku nine minutes into the second-half in the match against Ireland.

“Despite being the 14th man, I was not discouraged,” Sauturaga said.

“I am glad that I was given this opportunity to play at the Olympics, and it is even more special to play alongside my brother; I know our mother is proud of us.

We last played together at the Rugby Sevens World Cup, where we won; Masi left for the Drua, and I continued with sevens.

“I’m happy that we are able to play together again.”

Sauturaga also represented Fiji Men's Rugby Sevens at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.