Derenalagi reaps hard
YEARS of hard work and consistency are finally beginning to bear fruit for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua manager Peceli Derenalagi.
Though the Nadroga man may have never played the sport, to say that he has an interest in rugby would be an understatement.
Long before Peceli got involved in rugby, he had always deemed himself a rugby critic, knowing the sport like the back of his hand.
Today, he is happy to say that he is living his all-time dream of managing our Super Rugby squad.
“I’ve always dreamt of managing the national team to the World Cup. But when the offer to join the Fijian Drua came along, I knew I was destined for the position because I can see the team doing great things in the future,” Peceli shared.
Growing up in the bustling streets of Suva, the 46-year-old has been on the managing side of rugby for the past seven to 10 years.
“I’ve managed quite a few rugby clubs here in Suva for quite some time, both in sevens and fifteens.”
According to Peceli, he was never interested in playing rugby but was passionate in work off the field.
“Yes, even though I didn’t play rugby, I would always find myself involved with things out on the field, like getting the boys’ paperwork and other things that were done before any game.”
Over the years, he slowly began to climb the ladder and gained recognition from other clubs around Suva.
“Slowly over the years I started getting very good in my position and was asked to join various clubs in Suva.”
But Peceli knew that he needed to lift his managing standard and skills when he was asked to join the Suva Rugby Union a few years back.
“When I was asked by the Suva Rugby Union if I wanted to join them, I knew that I had to upskill myself.”
Things started to take off
In any team, I managed, I always tried to get to know my players on a personal level so that when I communicate with them, I know how to relate with them
–
Peceli Deranalagi
quickly later when he was approached by the Fiji Rugby Union, who wanted him to manage the national under-20 side at the Oceania Games in 2017.
“That was my first ever biggest achievement. This was also the first time for me to manage our national side and travel to a huge tournament such as this.
“That experience was an eyeopener for me because it showed me that there were endless opportunities and doors left for me to open.”
The following year, he was allowed to manage the Drua to the National Rugby Championship in Australia.
“This was when the Fijian
Drua was just getting started and I was more than happy to join them when I was being approached.”
He managed the team for two years before going on a short stint with the Fijiana 7s side.
“I also spent some time with the women’s national 7s side, I travelled with them to Japan and the Sydney 7s as well.”
Finally, in 2022, he received the call to manage the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in their Super Rugby debut.
When asked how he has managed to be consistent in his position for the past few years, Peceli said his love for rugby was what brought him to where he is
today.
“Loving what you do is a very important factor in pursuing a career.
“In any team, I managed, I always tried to get to know my players on a personal level so that when I communicate with them, I know how to relate with them.
“Here, I can form a special bond with the players.”
Even though he has always dreamt of managing the national side to a Rugby World Cup, he is happy where he is today.
“Most of the players in the Flying Fijians have already got contracts secure and have already made it in life.
“I wanted to join the Fijian Drua because I know that I can help develop players who are still very young and lack experience. I want to help them become the best versions of themselves. That’s why I’m here.”
Little to no attention is usually given to those behind the scenes but this is not an issue for Peceli.
“I love what I am doing and that’s all that matters.”