Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
19 April, 2026, 6:21 am
Central - 24°C Rain
IN DEPTH
19 April, 2026, 6:21 am 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
Vakarisi dead, 3 released and evidence of unauthorized weapons outside RFMF's inventory - Commander
Druglord, Jone Vakarisi has died in military custody, 3 other associates have been released after questioning, 1 Republic of Fiji Military Forces pers...
17 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Hong Kong 7s: Fijiana go down 45-5 to Australia
The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side went down 45-5 to Australia in their quarterfinal at the Hong Kong 7s.The Levi sisters, Maddison and Teagan, scored ...
4 hours ago

Hong Kong 7s: Fiji goes down fighting 17-24 to Argentina
The Fiji Airways Men's National 7s team has gone down fighting 17-24 to Argentina in the last quarterfinal at the Hong Kong 7s.Indiscipline cost the ...
5 hours ago

Hong Kong 7s: Fijiana to play Australia at 11.42 tonight in Cup quarterfinal
The Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s side will take on Australia at 11.42 tonight in the last Cup quarterfinal at the Hong Kong 7s.In other quarterfinals, ...
11 hours ago

Hong Kong 7s: Fiji will meet Argentina in last quarterfinal at 12.28am tomorrow
The Fiji Airways Men's National 7s side will meet Argentina in the last Cup quarterfinal at 12.28am tomorrow.In other quarterfinals, France plays New ...
11 hours ago

Motorcyclists raise safety concerns after taxi tailgating video on social media
Concerns have been raised over biker safety after a video showed a taxi driver tailgating a motorcyclist and nearly causing an accident. Executive ...
13 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's State Funeral
Ratu Epeli was a highly respected Fijian chief and a people’s President as many would remember him on many occasions walking on the streets of Suva ...
3 days ago

TC Vaianu Coverage
The National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) is urging the public to remain alert, prepared, and watch out for one another as Tropical Cyclone ...
10 days ago

Citizens to oppose proposed TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda
Serious concerns are being raised regarding a proposed Australian company's TNG Waste-to-Energy incinerator in Saweni, Vuda, and a group of concerned ...
10 days ago

TOP