It has been quite a rise for Meli Derenalagi as he goes from being rookie to co-captain of the Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s team one year after making his debut.
He won Rookie of the Year last season.
The 21-year-old co-captains the team with Jerry Tuwai as Fiji aims to win the Hamilton 7s title for the third year in a row.
Derenalagi was influential last season as Fiji won the series, as he scored 17 tries for the team.
Barring any upsets, Fiji will either take on New Zealand or USA in the semi final and South Africa or England in the Hamilton 7s final.
Coach, Gareth Baber has made two changes to his team for the 2nd leg of the HSBC 7s Series.
Livai Ikanikoda and Asaeli Tuivuaka make their return to the team. Jerry Tuwai and Meli Derenalagi will share the captaincy.
Other players included are Sevuloni Mocenacagi, Josua Vakurunabili, Kavekini Tabu, Apenisa Cakaubalavu, Vilimoni Botitu, Waisea Nacuqu, Alasio Naduva, Aminiasi Tuimaba and Napolioni Ratu.
Fiji will play their first pool match in the Hamilton 7s against Samoa at 12.57pm this Saturday, they will take on Australia at 6.35pm Saturday and play Argentina at 11.57am this Sunday in their last pool match.
The semi-final will start at 3.20pm Sunday while the final will start at 7.56pm Sunday.
