Meli Derenalagi’s rise on the rugby field has been fast and swift.
The lanky forward, who played a key part in Fiji’s successful defence of the Olympic Games gold medal in Tokyo, Japan last year, has seen his career catapult from the rugby fields of Nawaka Village in Nadi to the world stage – and now in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s maiden voyage in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
The Fiji Navy seaman headlines the Drua’s starting 15 against the NSW Waratahs tonight which features 14 Super Rugby debutants.
But the 23-year old’s performance on the rugby field is no surprise to his parents Vuniani and Imeri Derenalagi. They said this was “because as parents we had raised him in a disciplined and diligent manner”.
“There’s no denying that if you coast along and put minimal efforts in raising your kids, there’s a high likelihood they’ll end up being mediocre or even worse to be honest,” Derenalagi Sr, a former Flying Fijians player, said.
“Apparently, how you model your own persistence as a parent has a lot to do with your kids’ ability to persist in the face of challenges.
“If adults themselves expended effort at a task and talked about the necessity of pushing through even with things are hard, children will persist the most.
“Tu Meli was brought up with such values and as a father I am super proud of his achievements although least surprised at all.”
Mrs Derenalagi added that selfawareness drove the younger Derenalagi to improve his performance in the sport.
“Meli always self-monitors himself and tries to limit unnecessary distraction because he is aware about the benefits.
“It has built a sense of diligence and perseverance in him so that Meli is able to produce his best performance each day.
“He is always learning and yearning to acquire knowledge of being a better rugby player.
“Meli is able to set his own limits quite easily and he is a disciplined young man.
“We’re so proud of him.”
The parents said Meli’s involvement with the Fijian Drua’s historic journey in a revamped Super Rugby Pacific competition was not for his own self but rather the entire nation.
“It’s not for Meli only to be a part of the first Super Rugby team from the country, but he is there representing every Fijian.
“It’s a huge achievement in itself.
“Go Fijian Drua Go!” Fijian Drua coach Mike Byrne said he expected big things from Derenalagi against the Waratahs.
