FIJI sevens legend Waisale Serevi will be part of the Dubai Sevens where he handles player-coach role for former Springbok scrum-half Joost van der Westhuizen’s J9 Legends team.
Serevi had previously played in the first J9 Legends team in Dubai two years ago but family commitments prevented him from participating last year.
Serevi said playing again would sure bring back some memories. The maestro and Westhuizen have faced each other in the World Cup in 1997.
“I was honoured to play in the first J9 Legends team back in 2013, and am very proud that Joost has asked me to coach the team for our Dubai Rugby Sevens campaign this year,” said Serevi to media in Dubai.
The team was formed by Van der Westhuizen who, as a sufferer of Motor Neurone Disease, uses his J9 Foundation to do charitable work and raise awareness of the condition.
Serevi is backed up by several stars, including another former Springbok in Conrad Jantjies, ex-Italy scrum-half Paul Griffen and former Tonga lock Viliami Vaki.
Serevi would be hoping it is third time lucky for J9.
“All the guys on the team have the mind-set to help while you can.
“If you are still capable, why not help? Joost, like all sufferers of Motor Neurone Disease, did not get a choice in regards to this disease, it just happened,” Serevi added.
“When he played he earned our respect, and once again, with his ‘why not me’ attitude and by attacking this disease head on he has earned it all over again — if not more.”
