“Play like it’s the last game of your life,” this is the advice that Waisale Serevi, the King of Sevens rugby, has for the teams competing in the Vodafone Deans and Weet-Bix Raluve finals today at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
Serevi emphasises the importance of the core values of rugby, sportsmanship, respect, discipline, and integrity. He believes that these values are what make rugby unique and special.
He adds in the competitive world of the Deans competition; there can only be one winner. Serevi encourages players to give their all on the field, leaving no regrets behind.
“In the end of the day theirs only going to be one team that wins, and that is what rugby is all about, it’s different from other sports because it has core values,” said Serevi.
“To the players that are playing my message to them is to play like it’s the last game of your life, no regrets and you need to except the results, and go on, the bigger goal is out there, it’s not only the Deans, the bigger goal is out there the Fijiana the Drua teams, so it’s time to work hard for your goal.”
Serevi mentioned the pathway from grassroots rugby to high school competitions is strong, thanks to the efforts of leaders like Fiji Rugby Union CEO Koli Sewabu and John Sanday.
“I believe that the level of competition in the Deans is going up and up to the next level, and I like to thank the Fiji Rugby Union, and those who have been leading the rugby house over the years, the pathway is good.
He recalls a thrilling semi-final match between Nasinu and Natabua, where the teamwork and game play were impressive.
“The development of players from Kaji Rugby to high school competitions has made the Deans competition tougher and more exciting.”
As the teams take to the field for the finals, Serevi wishes them all the best and hopes that the best team emerges victorious.