THE historic Fiji Legends match at the 50th Fiji Bitter Marist Sevens tournament received a significant boost yesterday with leading insurance company TISA Insurance stepping in as a major partner, sponsoring the official jerseys and merchandise for both legend teams.
Fiji rugby legend and “King of 7s”, Waisale Serevi, hailed the historic legends match as the best way to show appreciation for those whose skills and passion for the game have driven the sport’s rise to global success.
“This is the best way, to say again to all these legends, thank you,” Serevi explained. “Why 7s is here at the moment? Because of these players that have played in the last 20 years. “That have played the series because of the Hong Kong 7s. “Exciting times Fiji played, it created the HSBC SVNS Series. Then it created the Olympics.”
At the jersey presentation, TISA Insurance CEO David Chan highlighted the success of the Marist 7s and the importance of the partnership in recognising the legends who transformed the game into the success it is today.
“That is why on this 50th anniversary year of this prestigious tournament, we are especially grateful and proud to support the Fiji Legends match,” Chan noted. “To see icons like Waisale Serevi, Jerry Tuwai and many more legends take the field alongside other greats is about legacy. “It’s about showing the next generation what excellence looks like and what it means to give back.”
What was initially planned as 30 legends competing in two teams has now grown to 40, with many more eager to be part of the memorable match.
Legends such as Waisale Serevi, William Ryder, Sisa Koyamaibole, Jerry Tuwai and current national coach Osea Kolinisau are already confirmed for the historic match, with many more joining the line-up.
The historic match will be played before the main cup final on Saturday, 28 March.
Organisers have confirmed that the legends match will become a regular feature of the annual Marist 7s tournament going forward.
