WAISALE Serevi continues to receive accolades, recognition and rewards for his prowess in 7s rugby from his peers and spectators the world over.
For the past four decades of 7s rugby at Hong Kong, he is the only Fijian in an all-time “Magnificent 7s” team of great rugby players.
Serevi, a diminutive player and the only one blessed by the gods to play amongst them, was denied a place in Fiji’s 7s team for about 15 years by the very people who were elevated in status because of his prowess on the rugby field.
For his humility in accepting his non-acceptance into Fiji 7s teams of the 1990s and early this decade, I take my hat off to him. He always wished the teams well and would help wherever he could.
And today’s rugby 7s statistics tell the story of how far we had fallen when Fiji had cast him aside.
As the only Fiji coach ever to win a World 7s rugby series, he literally personifies what he writes on his wrist strapping at every rugby game he plays — “He continues to do all things, through his God, who strengthens him!” And the blessings continue to shower upon his life as an individual, his family, his business partnership and in everything he does and this, after hanging up his boots.
Year in, year out, ever since Waisale Serevi first played 7s rugby and every time a Fijian 7s team runs on to a field to play anywhere in the world, rugby commentators cannot help
themselves, but mention his name and his prowess in the 7s game with awe!
The greatest 7s player of all time — Waisale Serevi — deserves all that is coming to him and then some.
I am sure we are all proud to share his Fijian heritage. May God continue to bless Serevi and Fiji.
EPELI RABUA
Suva
