Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has announced that former captain Meli Derenalagi will be out of action for an extended time following a second knee reconstruction. Derenalagi recently underwent surgery and is expected to miss around nine months as he focuses on rehabilitation.
“Meli had another surgery on his knee, so he’s essentially faced two knee reconstructions. He’s with us at the club, and our aim is to ensure he returns to the field as soon as possible, but unfortunately, he is sidelined for nine months. We will do everything we can to assist him in regaining full fitness and will reassess his progress along the way,” said Jackson.
Despite Derenalagi’s contract expiring at the end of the year, Jackson reassured that the Drua will continue to support the dedicated forward throughout his recovery process. “What we do here at the club is ensure Meli is well looked after. Just because he’s off contract soon doesn’t mean we won’t support him in getting back on the field,” Jackson emphasized.
Derenalagi, a former Olympic gold medalist with the Fiji 7s team, has been a vital player for the Drua since their inaugural Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season in 2022. His influence on the team has been profound, and while his absence will be felt, Jackson remains optimistic.
The current situation echoes earlier challenges faced by the Drua, including injuries to key players like Frank Lomani and others, but Jackson believes in the depth and resilience of his squad. As the team prepares for upcoming matches, they are hopeful that they can rally together and take this opportunity to showcase their strength and teamwork.
As Derenalagi embarks on this recovery journey, the dedication of the coaching staff and the support from fans may boost the team’s morale, allowing them to navigate this difficult period together and emerge stronger for the future. The spirit of unity and collective effort within the Drua squad reflects their commitment to their goals and aspirations in the season ahead.
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