Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team forward Meli Derenalagi says he has always been motivated to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Derenalagi’s father Ratu Vuniani represented Fiji in the Paris 7s in 1996.
Hear from @fijirugby’s Meli Derelenagi after he won the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series Rookie of the Year 2019#HSBC7s pic.twitter.com/JeTB3us2NC
— World Rugby Sevens (@WorldRugby7s) June 3, 2019
Now 23 years later his son has not only repeated history but showcased himself as one of the best after being crowned the HSBC World Sevens Series Rookie of the Year.
Derenalagi has played 55 matches for Fiji and scored 17 tries.
He has also quickly earned a reputation for his great offloads.
Vilimoni Botitu is another new player who has made a name for himself this season.
He won the DHL Impact Player of the Year Award.
Botitu and Derenalagi were also included alongside Aminiasi Tuimaba and Jerry Tuwai in the World Sevens Series Dream Team.
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