THE UNTOLD STORY OF OUR 7s STARS
Botitu’s dad tells of the Natabua connection
Our newest rugby stars Vilimoni Botitu and Meli Derenalagi did not meet for the first time when they were chosen for the Fiji Airways Fijian 7s team. They were mates as boarders at Natabua High School in Lautoka and they played rugby together.
It is part of their untold story.
In fact they played for the school’s Under-14, U15 and U16 rugby teams from 2012-2014. In 2015 Derenalagi went to Queen Victoria School. Their coach in 2013-14, Tevita Ratucadra, now a Lomary Secondary
School teacher, said last night: “They were disciplined and humble students.”
He said they were among many talented boys. Botitu’s dad, Josaia Lobau, endorsed Mr Ratucadra’s comments. From that humble beginning in Lautoka they have become household names at the age of 20.
The duo again played together for the Vodafone Fijian U20 side under coach Koli Sewabu and won the World Rugby U20 Trophy Championship in Romania last year. On August 21, 2018, Sewabu said then he recommended Botitu, Derenalagi and a few other players to Fijian 7s head coach Gareth Baber.
In their first year at the HSBC World Sevens Series, Botitu topped the DHL Impact Player of the Series while Derenalagi was named the World Rugby Sevens Rookie of the Year. Also, their sterling performance resulted in Botitu being named the Player of the final at the Cape Town 7s in South Africa while Derenalagi was named Player of the final at the London 7s.
Vilimoni Botitu’s love to use whatever empty plastic bottles he can lay his hands on as a rugby ball, has finally made him a rising star, says his dad Josaia Lobau.
Speaking to SUNsports on Tuesday night, Lobau said when the 20-year-old Fiji Airways Fijian 7s rover was hooked to the sport since he was a kid.
“Botitu always love to play with the empty plastic bottles by kicking them or throwing them around as if they were rugby balls,” he recalled. We always hide the empty plastic bottles from him. Sometimes we had to chase him out of the house because he used to kick them and messed up the house.” Lobau, who is an Assemblies of God pastor said Botitu and lanky forward Meli Derenalagi attended Natabua High School in Lautoka where they played together in the school’s rugby team.
“He grew up loving rugby and always dream of wearing the white (national) jersey. Botitu played for the under-14 and under-16 alongside Derenalagi while at Natabua High
School. That is why they know each other well.”
Botitu has been the target of the French clubs after a mesmerising performance for the Vodafone Fijian Under-20 side that won the World Rugby U20 Trophy in Romania, last year. In his debut year at the World Sevens Series, he got the DHL Impact Player of the Series while Derenalagi received the World Rugby Sevens Rookie of the Year award.
Lobau highlighted that his son’s humble upbringing has moulded him to become a fine athlete.
“My son’s good performance doesn’t only show in the field but outside as well. He is a humble kid and of good character.
“The kind of life that he shows is actually what he has been taught at home. That is to respect the people around him. Botitu doesn’t speak much but his character speaks for him all the time.”
He further added that they (with wife) always pray for their son to be used by God to impact others so they can change their lives for the better.
“As a father I always supported my son especially with the talents that he has. Botitu is the first one in the family to reach this far in representing Fiji and we are humbled with his achievements so far.”