Journey to stardom
MELI Derenalagi has set a high standard. Tumeli, as he is commonly called, is a humble, obedient and a down to earth person, whose fame in rugby hasn’t affected him a bit. I have been tracking our towering forward for quite some time, as I wanted to pen an article on his journey to stardom. I vividly remember writing a letter to the editor in December 2018 titled ‘Bound for stardom’ on Tumeli when he was selected to be part of the Fiji 7s team to the first leg of the 2019-19 HSBC WRSS in Dubai and South Africa. Based on Tumeli’s hard work, sacrifice, dedication, commitment and passion, I knew that he was bound for bigger things in life, and I’m not surprised he has achieved so much in a short time. Born in Lautoka Hospital to Ratu Vuniani Derenalagi and Imeri Buli Derenalagi, Tumeli attended Nawaka District School.
He played Kaji rugby for Nadi from U9 to the U14 grades, alongside his buddy Vilimoni Botitu. According To Tumeli, his dad Ratu Vuniani, motivated him to go beyond what he (Vuniani) had achieved and never settle for anything less. Ratu Vuniani, played for QVS from 1989-1993, and he represented Nadi and the Fiji 7s team under the late Rupeni Ravonu. He last played for Fiji in 2003- that’s when he suffered a huge knee injury. Ratu Vuniani shared that his parents emphasised on doing well in education as his mother was a school teacher. His parents were strict. Tumeli said that seeing his dad happy when he went on to the field influenced him to do better and set high standards.
Tumeli’s mother, Imeri, who has close ties to the late Patrick Tuidraki, shared that since Tumeli started playing for Nadi Kaji the family never missed any of his matches. They supported him. They would wear t-shirts and fly flags and banners, and cheer for him at the top of their voices. After completing primary school, Tumeli and Botitu moved to Natabua High School, where they played rugby for the Natabua U-15 and 16 rugby teams. Tumeli played as hooker and prop. Tumeli attended form three to five at Natabua High, and then moved to QVS in 2015. His dad had also attended QVS and made a name for himself in rugby. Just like his dad, Tumeli made an impact, and he was selected to be part of the QVS U-17 team.
At QVS, Tumeli heard his dad’s success stories with QVS, and Tumeli was more than ever determined to make his dad proud. In 2015, the giants from Tailevu beat Natabua in the final of the U-17 grade. For QVS, Tumeli played as lock and flanker.
Tumeli shared that while he was happy that QVS had won, he was touched by the reception that he received from his former team mates who were playing for Natabua. In 2016, Tailevu felt the full brunt of STC Winston, and QVS was damaged and closed.
The players were told to get an attachment in a school in Suva and arrange for a family to stay with in Suva. Tumeli said it was tough, but majority of the boys were attached at Dudley High School because it was closer to their club house where they used to train. Tumeli shared that his experiences with QVS really made him believe further in himself.
He said that joining the QVS rugby teams was no easy feat, especially with the number of talents at QVS. He stated that once he was selected to play for QVS, it gave him a lot of pride and he made sure was a good ambassador for QVS.
Tumeli did not hesitate to share this, “QVS gave me a sense of brotherhood and always reminded me to stay humble and look out for each other, so growing up I never forget how it was back then in Vulinituraga and how the institution has really helped me.
“Many sporting talents are discovered there, and we competed against each other because everyone was good, and it was hard to select people to represent the team”.
Tumeli remembers beating Marist in the 2016 Deans U-18 final. He said that it was competitive playing in the main grade in the competition because all schools had prepared well. Tumeli described the final as a tough encounter because both QVS and Marist gave their all in the final which ended in a draw.
He said that an overseas official had come to Fiji to control the game, and when the match ended in a draw, the organisers were told that extra time would be played, and three minutes into extra time, QVS was awarded a penalty, which they converted to win the Deans Trophy. Tumeli’s family went with the QVS team wherever they played- such was their passion, support and commitment that they never missed any of his team’s matches.
Tumeli shared that the late Elemaca Ravulo, better known on the rugby circle as ‘Macho’, was a motivational and inspirational speaker. He used to address the team before they entered the field, and he talked straight to the players and stirred up their emotions.
He was sweet with his words, and phrases like ‘Hunt people down’ and ‘Play with fire in your belly’ touched the players’ heart and soul, and lifted the team’s morale. In 2017, Tumeli played for the QVS U-19 rugby league and union teams.
Tumeli gave credit to Samu Yalayala for his support and inspiration. I asked Tumeli if there was a special moment in his life that motivated him to wear the national jumper, and he shared the success of the 2005 RWC 7s team, that featured his uncle- Ratu Semisi Naevo Saukawa.
Tumeli said when Fiji won, the village of Nawaka was in a celebration mood, and the villagers hosted the team.
He also shared that his dad, who was referred to as the ‘White Shark’, set a standard for his sons, and he urged Tumeli to raise the standard.
Hence, Tumeli was determined to carry on his dad’s legacy. Tumeli then shared how the late Pat Tuidraki encouraged and motivated him to do wonders in life.
He recalled that when he was a kid, Tuidraki challenged him and his cousins, who were playing video game, to make it into the Fiji team. ■ Tomorrow .... the LEGACY CONTINUES