8 December, 2025, 10:16 pm Central - 24°C Rain

Derenalagi to captain Drua against the Reds

Derenalagi to captain Drua against the Reds

By Navitalai Naivalurua
16/03/2023
Olympic gold medallist Meli Derenalagi will lead the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side when they take on the Queensland Reds this week

Olympic gold medallist Meli Derenalagi will lead the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side when they take on the Queensland Reds this week in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

Head Coach Mick Byrne has retained all of the 23 players from last week’s win against Crusaders but has mixed up the starting 15 and the impact players.

Meli Tuni will start again at loosehead prop, Samuela Tawake starts at tighthead, and Tevita Ikanivere will complete the front row at hooker.

Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta is back in the starting 15 and will start at locks with Isoa Nasilasila.

Joseva Tamani retains his spot at blindside flanker, Kitione Salawa will start at openside flanker, while Derenalagi is at number 8.

Frank Lomani will combine with Teti Tela at the halves while blockbusting centre Apisalome Vota starts his second match at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi firmly holding on the outside centre role.

Eroni Sau and Selestino Ravutaumada are on the wings, with Ilaisa Droasese at fullback.

The Fijian Drua will meet the Queensland Reds at 5 pm Sunday.

STARTING 15:

1. Meli Tuni 2. Tevita Ikanivere 3. Samuela Tawake 4. Isoa Nasilasila 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta 6. Joseva Tamani 7. Kitione Salawa 8. Meli Derenalagi (C) 9. Frank Lomani 10. Teti Tela 11. Eroni Sau 12. Apisalome Vota 13. Iosefo Masi 14. Selestino Ravutaumada 15. Ilaisa Droasese

IMPACT PLAYERS

16. Mesulame Dolokoto 17. Emosi Tuqiri 18. Jone Koroiduadua 19. Leone Rotuisolia 20. Elia Canakaivata 21. Peni Matawalu 22. Kemu Valetini 23. Kalaveti Ravouvou

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Dialogue Fiji says National Referendum Bill is an unprecedented assault on democratic freedom
Dialogue Fiji expresses its grave concern and disbelief over the National Referendum Bill 2025, which contains some of the most far-reaching and unde...
4 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Professor Prasad denies rumours of applying for USP Vice Chancellor role
Member of Parliament and leader of the National Federation Party, Professor Biman Prasad says rumours circulating on social media claiming he has ...
3 hours ago

Auta Moceisuva appointed Acting Commissioner of Corrections
Auta Moceisuva, who previously served as the Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, has been appointed Acting Commissioner of Corrections. ...
3 hours ago

Sonia Shanaaz who is raising her 10 year old daughter living with a disability to appear on fijivillage Straight Talk at 7pm Wednesday
Are we doing enough?Sonia Shanaaz, a mother who is raising her 10 year old daughter living with a disability, will appear on fijivillage Straight ...
4 hours ago

UniFiji begins work on landmark centre for iTaukei and Hindi Studies
A historic step toward strengthening Fiji’s cultural and linguistic heritage was taken today as the University of Fiji held the groundbreaking ...
5 hours ago

Nailawa crossing in Tailevu fully restored by FRA after flooding yesterday
The Nailawa crossing in Tailevu is now fully accessible after quick action by the Fiji Roads Authority who completed restoration works this ...
6 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Dubai 7s 2025
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side are working on their fitness as they prepare for the start of the 2025/2026 World 7s Series this ...
11 hours ago

Fiji Law Society Convention 2025
There is a constant struggle that we seem to have in Fiji with upholding and respecting the rule of law, and in my view, I think it starts at the ...
4 days ago

Tribunal case of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr Nakarawa
Tribunal proceedings for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Nakarawa are underway, focusing on allegations of misbehaviour during his tenure as ...
4 days ago

TOP