Local students appointed as sports massage therapists for Fijian rugby team

Megan Hyland and Hannah Ranadi Ashton

Two local students have been appointed as sports massage therapists for the Fijian rugby team whilst they are in in the UK for the October Rugby League World Cup.

Hannah Ranadi Aston and Megan Hyland are in their final year studying physiotherapy and sport rehabilitation at Salford University.

After first meeting each other in college to study personal training, their passion for fitness and sport made them inseparable.

Working with the Fiji team – which is Hannah’s heritage as the oldest granddaughter of the late Fijian Hornets player Mike Ratu – is a dream come true.

Mike, who passed away in December 2021, signed for Rochdale Hornets in 1965 after a spell serving in the British Army. He came to Rochdale and married Anne; they had three children, Michael Jnr, Nina and Emon, plus grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mike was a strong running winger with all the usual Fijian flair when he played. He was an integral part of the Fijian community and was always entertaining people, making them smile and had some fabulous times at Rochdale Hornets in the 60s and early 70s.
 

Read more: Obituary: Michael RatuPublished: 03 January 2022

Hannah said: “My grandad would be so proud of me and I can feel him smiling down on me.”

Hannah and Megan will be based with the Fiji team in Rochdale from 4 October before travelling with the team for the first game against England.