World Rugby 7s Rookie of the Year Ratu Meli Derenalagi will stay with the national side for another season.

Derenalagi said this after arriving back with the victorious Fiji 7s side this morning.

The 20-year-old from Nawaka is not interested in playing for an overseas club at the moment.

Derenalagi says his main focus at the moment is making the team for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics

He adds that he was surprised to win the Rookie of the Year award on Monday.

‘My plans is to get into the Olympics defend that gold I’m not interested in overseas contract I’m still looking at Olympic plans for next year, I never dreamt that because it was quite challenging with my two team mates Botitu and Tuimaba but it was quite surprising my name was called out it was quite emotional’.

Meanwhile, coach Gareth Baber says he will maintain core of this current squad for the Olympics next year.

‘These players will be retained for certain I mean they’ve put themselves in a position to you’re looking at for that quality in pressure situation how they learn how they travel as a group they have been ably led by the likes of Paula, Josua, Jerry, Waisea you know boys who have been in the series previously and there’s a couple boys here who can put their hands up as well so I’m always looking for talent around it’s not as if I’m blind to what’s happening overseas and the world cup is coming up as well’.

The national 7s side is currently in Nawaka village where they are being accorded a traditional ceremony of welcome.

We’ll have more in sports.