WHEN the Flying Fijians beat the British Lions 25-21 in Suva in 1977, it sparked a light of inspiration within sevens legend and maestro Waisale Serevi to dream of one day donning the white jumper that washed over the red Lions jersey.
Fast forward years later, he has since become a luminary of the game, defying expectations and was the first Fijian ever inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Long after the floodlights of the stadiums, the action and grit present in matches and the glory of victories he had a part in, he was once asked by his business partner Chris Prentice in 2010 of what he wanted to do in life.
After an illustrious rugby career, the question made him take a step back and think profoundly about it.
He had already played 21 years of international rugby in both codes of the game, won two Sevens Rugby World Cups in 1997 and 2005, played in seven Rugby World Cups when that question was asked.
That’s when he decided to use his influence to care for his family and the wider community around him.
From this, Serevi, Prentice and his wife Julie, along with Semi Lotawa, now FIJI Water’s philanthropy director and the help of former American rugby player Alipate Tuilevuka, co-founded the Serevi Rugby brand.
Speaking yesterday at the FRU 2025 Symposium at the upper hall of Albert Park in Suva, he shared to the many rugby professionals gathered of what had led him towards pivoting himself from being on the field to off of it.
“I had gold medals, I had fame and recognition,” he told the listeners.
“But I knew my journey had to be more than all these awards. I told him (Chris Prentice), I want to give back to rugby and I want to give back to my family.”
He added the game had given him a platform however his family had given him the strength he needed and to reciprocate that, he wanted to provide better opportunities for his children.
And as these aligned with what he acknowledged as God’s grace, he told all those gathered to hear him speak of how profound the game’s impact could be.
“But in life, you must always keep your eyes on the big picture. For me, that meant using rugby to serve others, it’s not for you,” he emphasised.
“Rugby is to serve others, it’s not all about you. Using my influence to care for my family and community that are outside me.”
Meanwhile, the Flying Fijians face Tonga in their Pacific Nations Cup match at the HFC Bank Stadium this Saturday, kicking off at 3pm.