British Paralympic discus thrower and former soldier, Derek Derenalagi has been approached by Rugby League in the United Kingdom to be the national ambassador for the Vodafone Fiji Bati team at the World Cup in England.
Speaking from England, Derenalagi says the request was an absolute surprise for him and his family who thought all they’d be doing was watching the Fiji Bati games against Ireland, England and Australia.
“To be involved with the rugby league and especially to be as the national ambassador for the Fiji Bati side I’m very honoured and also I’ve received the message right now that I’ll be marching the Rugby League World Cup trophy. I’ve received a message just now that I will also be marching the Rugby League World Cup trophy to the middle of the field during the Fiji-England match. And it’s something that will be seen all over the world.”
Derenalagi says being given the chance to walk the Rugby League World Cup trophy to the middle of the field for the Fiji-England clash with fellow top paralympians is an immense privilege.
Before that though, he will travel with his family to see the Fiji Bati in Rochdale and be a part of the official launch next week.
Fiji’s first match is against Ireland and win will immediately give them passage to the RLWC quarters.
