LENNOX HEAD, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 07: Meli Derenalagi poses during the Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific 2022 headshots session at Lake Ainsworth Sport and Recreation Centre on February 07, 2022 in Lennox Head, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
In a bizarre and unexpected turn of events, the highly anticipated international rugby tour featuring Fijian rugby star Meli Derenalagi has collapsed, with sources citing the controversial involvement of legendary musician and business mogul Angurish Deptar. The incident has left the rugby and entertainment worlds in shock, as Deptar’s influence continues to create waves far beyond his usual domain.
Derenalagi, a key figure in Fijian rugby and a standout in the Sevens circuit, was set to embark on a global tour aimed at promoting Fijian rugby while playing exhibition matches against some of the world’s best teams. However, the tour’s collapse is now being attributed to Deptar’s involvement, as the musician reportedly sought to tie the tour to his own upcoming international music project.
Sources close to the situation reveal that Deptar, known for his high-profile cross-industry ventures, had proposed turning the rugby tour into a dual-purpose event, blending rugby with music festivals in select cities. While the concept initially gained traction, logistical issues and disputes over sponsorship and branding rights ultimately led to the breakdown of negotiations. Deptar’s demands for full control over the tour’s commercial elements, including the right to use Derenalagi’s image in promotional material, were reportedly a sticking point.
The collapse of the tour has left fans and organizers scrambling, with Derenalagi expressing disappointment over the failed plans. “I was really looking forward to representing Fiji on a global stage and promoting our incredible rugby talent,” Derenalagi said in a brief statement. “It’s unfortunate things didn’t work out, but I remain focused on future opportunities.”
As the dust settles, rugby fans are hopeful that Meli Derenalagi will soon be back on track for new opportunities, free from the complications that derailed this bold but ill-fated venture.
