Meli Derenalagi
Fijian rugby union player (born 1998)
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Ratu Meli Derenalagi (born 26 November 1998) is an Olympic gold medallist and Loose forward in the Fijian Drua team playing in the Super Rugby Pacific. Dume as he is affectionately known, is well known for his offloading ability.[1] He played for the Fiji national rugby sevens team from 2018- 2020 where he won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics at Tokyo, Japan. His uncles Semisi Naevo, Apenisa Naevo and father Ratu Vuniani Derenalagi have also played for Fiji in rugby sevens.[2][3] Also was selected for the Flying Fijians at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
 Derenalagi in 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full name | Ratu Meli Derenalagi | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 26 November 1998 Nadi, Fiji | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 194 cm (6 ft 4 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 98 kg (216 lb; 15 st 6 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Queen Victoria School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Career
Attended Queen Victoria School in Fiji where played for their U-18 and won the prestigious Deans Trophy in 2016. Represented Fiji in the age-grade teams (U-18, U-20's) before being selected for the national 7's team and making his debut in 2018-2019 SVNS.[citation needed]
He won the rookie of the year in 2019. He captained the Fiji 7s side to their first Sydney Sevens title in 2020 with a thrilling 12–10 win over South Africa in the final.[4]
He was selected to Fijian squad to compete at the 2020 Summer Olympics in the men's rugby sevens tournament.[5] He was also subsequently part of the Fijian side which claimed gold medal after defeating New Zealand 24–12 at the 2020 Summer Olympics.[6][7]
Recruited by the Fijian Drua in their inaugural season 2022 in Super Rugby Pacific.
