Waisale Serevi

Waisale Tikoisolomoni Serevi (born 20 May 1968) is a Fijian former rugby union football player and coach, and is a member of the World Rugby Hall of Fame.[1] Serevi is renowned for his achievements in rugby sevens, while also enjoying a long career in fifteen-a-side rugby at both club and national team levels. Nicknamed "The Wizard" by commentators, he is widely considered to be the greatest rugby sevens player in the history of the game.[2][3][4] A biography of Serevi titled Waisale Serevi: King of Sevens by Nick Darvenzi was published in 2018.[5]

Waisale Serevi

Serevi in 2014
Birth name	Waisale Tikoisolomoni Serevi
Date of birth	(1968-05-20) 20 May 1968
Place of birth	Suva, Fiji
Height	1.69 m (5 ft 7 in)
Weight	85 kg (13 st 5 lb; 187 lb)
School	Delainamasi Government School Lelean Memorial School
Spouse	Karalaini
Children	Two daughters and a son
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fly-half, Fullback, Scrum-half Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1987–88 1989 1989 Nasinu Rewa Nabua Suva () Correct as of 14 March 2007 Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 1993–96 1997–98 1998–2003 2004 2004–08 Mitsubishi Leicester Stade Montois Stade Bordelais Staines 0 0 Correct as of 14 March 2007 National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1987 1987 1989–03 Fiji B Fiji XV Fiji 39 (219) Correct as of 14 March 2007 National sevens team(s) Years Team Comps 1990–07 Fiji 359 Correct as of 9 July 2007 Teams coached Years Team 2005–07 2008–09 2018–19 Fiji Sevens Fiji Sevens Russia Sevens Correct as of 28 November 2019
Medal record Men's rugby sevens Representing  Fiji Commonwealth Games 1998 Kuala Lumpur Team competition 2002 Manchester Team competition 2006 Melbourne Team competition

In the 15-man game, he played for Fiji 39 times between 1989 and 2003, and scored 376 points. This included representing Fiji in the 1991, 1999, and 2003 Rugby World Cups. He also played professionally for the Mitsubishi, Leicester, Stade Montois, Stade Bordelais and Staines rugby teams.[6]

His representative sevens career started in 1989 when he played for Fiji at the Hong Kong tournament. Serevi also played in the 1993, 1997, 2001, and 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens, winning the World Cup with Fiji in 1997 and 2005. He won silver at the Commonwealth Games in 1998 and 2002, and captured bronze in 2006. Serevi played in the International Rugby Board Sevens Series since its creation in 1999. In 2005 after winning the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens Serevi was appointed player-coach of the Fiji Sevens national team. He led Fiji to the 2005–06 World Sevens Series victory – the first time the series was won by a team other than New Zealand.

Early life

The third of five children, Serevi was born in Suva, on the island of Viti Levu, on 20 May 1968.[7][8] He was raised by staunch Christian parents who were both heavily involved in the Church.[7] Serevi's inspiration to play rugby stemmed from his childhood, when Fiji defeated the British Lions in 1977. He missed watching the match, but decided to take up rugby after seeing how happy the victory made the people of Fiji.[9]

His family moved twice when he was a child, the second time settling in Suva where Serevi started secondary school.[10] There he attended Lelean Memorial School.[8] His schooling was unsuccessful however, and he failed his Fiji Junior Certificate Examination (tenth year) in 1984. Serevi blamed his love for rugby, saying he "played too much and didn't spend enough time studying."[7]

After failing his examinations, Serevi quit school and continued to play for his local club Rewa.[10] Although he trained with the team, he was omitted from playing as the coach, Jo Rauto, thought he was too small and would get hurt. He was eventually selected to play for the senior provincial side when he was 17.[10] Several months later he was asked to join the Nabua Rugby Club – under the guidance of coach Ratu Kitione Tuibua – by his uncle Vesito Rauluni.[7] Serevi's Nabua team were highly successful in Fiji's sevens tournaments.[10]

Fifteens career

Club

Prior to 1993 he played for the Nasinu Rugby Club in the Suva Club Rugby Competition, and represented Suva on numerous occasions. In 1993 Serevi signed for the Mitsubishi team from Kyoto, Japan.[11] His initial salary was A$70,000 a year before this increased to A$90,000 a year.[12] While with Mitsubishi in 1994, Serevi was approached by Australian Rugby League clubs the Canberra Raiders, and later the Brisbane Crushers to play for them.[13] After being set to join the Crushers, Serevi decided to stay with Mitsubishi due to a pay rise, and pressure from Fiji's Methodist Church to continue playing rugby union.[12]

Serevi continued to play for Mitsubishi until 1997 when he joined English club Leicester on a two-year contract.[14][15] He was first approached by Leicester after he played against them for a World XV at Twickenham in 1996. He stayed at Leicester for only one season before moving to the French club Stade Montois in Mont-de-Marsan.[14][16]

After joining Stade Montois, Serevi moved to the coaching staff due to the second level sides only being allowed to play two non-European Union players.[17] After getting clearance from the French Rugby Federation, Serevi was cleared to play for the club in 2001. He continued there until joining Stade Bordelais in January 2004.[18] In late 2004 Serevi joined London club Staines; making his debut in a victory against Thurrock in December that year.[19][20] Serevi stopped playing professional club rugby in 2005.

International

In 1987 Serevi was selected for the Fiji B team, and the following year he was selected for Fiji, playing against Wellington in New Zealand.[8] The Wellington game was his first in front of a large crowd, and he had mixed feelings about making his debut in front of a huge crowd.[7] The next year he made his Test debut against Belgium in Liege.[8]

After being a regular selection for Fiji in 1989, and playing three games in 1990, Serevi was selected in the 1991 Rugby World Cup squad.[8] He played against France and Canada, losing both games. He only played four fifteen-aside games for Fiji in 1992 and 1993 – with Fiji losing all four.[8] These results led to Fiji failing to qualify for the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa. In 1996 Serevi was selected for his first Fiji game since 1993. The match was against Northland in Whangarei, and resulted in a 49–18 win; Serevi's first win with the national team since 1991.[8] He was selected for seven games in 1996, including matches against South Africa and the New Zealand Māori.[8]

Serevi did not play for Fiji in the 1997 season, but did come on against Scotland in Fiji's 51–26 win at Suva in 1998. He was continually selected throughout 1998, and played Tests against France, US, Australia, Tonga and Samoa. The following year he again played for Fiji; including consecutive wins over Spain, Uruguay, and Italy.[8] Fiji qualified for the 1999 Rugby World Cup in France, with Serevi playing in three of Fiji's matches – including wins over Namibia and Canada.[8]

Following the 1999 Rugby World Cup, Serevi did not play for Fiji again until 2001. In that year he came on against an Italian regional XV after 57 minutes and scored two tries, two conversions and two penalties to help his team to a 33–23 victory.[21] This was followed by a match against Italy where he scored all of Fiji's points (Fiji lost 10–66).[21] He played two more matches for Fiji that season, including a win over the French Barbarians, in which Serevi was captain.[22]

In 2002 Serevi played four matches for Fiji – all were losses; first against Wales, then Ireland, Scotland A, and Scotland.[8] Serevi's last season for Fiji was in 2003, where he played several matches in build-up to the Rugby World Cup in Australia. These matches included wins over the Queensland Reds, Marlborough, and Chile.[8] His last match for Fiji was a 41–13 win over Japan in the 2003 Rugby World Cup; his third Rugby World Cup tournament.[8]

Sevens career

1989–93

After playing domestics sevens in Fiji, Serevi was selected for Fiji for the Sydney Sevens tournament in 1989. Later that year he made his début at the Hong Kong Sevens. Although New Zealand won the tournament, beating Fiji in their semi-final, Serevi was named player of the tournament.[23] Serevi returned in 1990 when Fiji won their first of three consecutive Hong Kong Sevens titles,[8] and he again picked up player of the tournament after Fiji defeated New Zealand in the final.[24][25] In 1992 Serevi was again named the player of the tournament.[26]

At the 1993 Hong Kong Sevens, Serevi scored three tries to help Fiji to a 17–14 win over Australia in the semi-final, but was unable to prevent his team being defeated 14–12 in the final by Samoa.[27] Fiji's next major tournament was the inaugural 1993 Rugby Sevens World Cup held in Edinburgh, Scotland.[n 1] Serevi said that the team was working "sometimes nine hours a day" in preparation for the Sevens World Cup.[28] Fiji were defeated by eventual champions England 21–7 in their semi-final.[29] Serevi was the equal top point scorer for the tournament.[30]

1994–99

After playing in sevens tournaments in Fiji and Canberra, Serevi returned to the Hong Kong Sevens. After defeating South Africa in their quarter-final, Fiji lost to eventual winners New Zealand in their semi-final.[31] In 1995, Serevi captained Fiji to the Hong Kong Sevens final. He scored three tries in their semi-final victory over Australia. They then faced New Zealand in the final, and although leading 17–14 at one point, eventually lost the game 35–17.[32] In the 1996 tournament, Fiji again met New Zealand in the final; New Zealand led after Serevi tripped Christian Cullen close to Fiji's try line. This was followed by a break from Serevi to give Setareki Naivaluwaqa a try. New Zealand scored twice more however, to give them a 19–17 victory.[33] Serevi finished the year by leading Fiji to victory in the Dubai Sevens.[34]

The following year the Hong Kong Sevens doubled as the 1997 Rugby Sevens World Cup. Serevi was Fiji's captain for the tournament.[35] Before the tournament Serevi made a promise to Fiji to "bring back the Melrose Cup."[36] In his first three games of the tournament Serevi scored 59 points to help confirm Fiji as favourites for the title.[37] Fiji did not concede a point until their semi-final, their sixth game of the tournament, and eventually faced South Africa in the final.[38] South Africa scored two tries, before Fiji responded with four tries of their own; the final score was 24–21 to Fiji.[39] Serevi was the tournament's top scorer with 117 points – including nine tries.[35][39] He also played for Fiji in the Japan and France sevens; the latter won by Fiji.[40]

After winning the Fiji Sevens Tournament with Fiji in March 1998, Serevi led his country at Hong Kong.[41] Despite a 21–21 draw against Argentina in pool play – where Serevi scored one try and set up two – Fiji qualified for the tournament's quarter-finals.[42] Fiji beat Australia in the quarter-finals, and faced New Zealand in their semi-final. They defeated New Zealand 24–7 after Serevi scored one try and set up another two. Fiji faced Samoa in the final, defeating them 28–19.[43] Serevi was named player of the tournament.[35] Later that year he led Fiji in the Rugby Sevens at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. The team faced New Zealand in the final, losing 21–12, to earn them the silver medal.[44]

1999–04

Serevi started 1999 by winning the Air Pacific Sevens in Fiji; they defeated Australian Fijians 35–7.[45] Following this Serevi captained Fiji to the Hong Kong Sevens, his eleventh tournament.[46] Fiji defeated Tonga – whose defeat included a try set up by a 40-metre one handed pass from Serevi – and then Scotland.[47] Fiji and Serevi again faced New Zealand in the final; Fiji scored three tries, all converted by Serevi, to win 21–12. Serevi dedicated the win to his two daughters.[48]

In 1999 the inaugural International Rugby Board Sevens series was held starting with the Dubai tournament.[49] Serevi missed this leg, but finished the year by leading Fiji to victory in the South Africa Sevens in Stellenbosch.[50] Serevi then returned for the leg in Mar Del Plata where he scored a try to lead Fiji to victory over New Zealand in the final.[51] He then led Fiji in their first sevens tournament in New Zealand, at Wellington. Fiji again defeated New Zealand in a tournament final, this time 24–14. Serevi was the tournaments top points scorer (84 points).[52] Serevi also played in the Fiji Sevens tournament, where Fiji lost to New Zealand 31–5 in the final.[53] He then led Fiji to victory in the Brisbane leg of the series.[54] Fiji made the final after defeating South Africa in their semi-final;[55] the final was against Australia, who were leading until the last minute of the match. With less than a minute to go Serevi broke several Australian tackles and sprinted 80 metres to score a try and win the match for Fiji.[55] The try was described at the time by Australian rugby union writer Spiro Zavos as "the greatest individual try in sevens series history", and was voted try of the year at the 2000 Fiji Rugby Awards.[8][54] At the Hong Kong Sevens, Serevi was the tournament's top scorer with 75 points, but this was not enough for a Fiji win however, as they lost 31–5 to New Zealand in the final.[56] Serevi's last tournament of the series was in Japan where he led Fiji to victory.[57]

Serevi started 2001 by leading Fiji in the 2001 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Argentina.[8] Fiji were defeated by Australia in their semi-final; the Australians went on to lose to New Zealand in the final.[58] In the 2000–01 IRB Sevens World Series, he played in only the London and Wales legs.[8][59] He also missed the 2001 Hong Kong Sevens, the first time he had missed the tournament in 12 years. Serevi was omitted from the team due to form, and the desire to develop new players for the 2004 Rugby World Cup Sevens. Fiji's coach at the time, Tomasi Cama, suggested Serevi had lost some pace and age was catching up with him.[60] Serevi's last sevens tournament for the year was the World Games in Akita, Japan. As captain, he led Fiji to the Gold medal after defeating Australia 35–19 in the final.[8][61]

The first tournament of 2002 for Serevi was in Chile.[8] Fiji advanced to the semi-finals where they faced New Zealand. During the match, Serevi was tackled late by New Zealander Amasio Valence. Fijian player Marika Vunibaka ran 50 metres to punch Valence and a brawl then erupted – Fiji ended up losing the game.[62] Serevi and Fiji rebounded the following week to win the tournament at Mar del Plata, Buenos Aires.[63] Serevi played in the Brisbane, Wellington, and then Beijing Sevens before returning to Hong Kong. In Fiji's defeat of Australia in their quarter-final, Serevi scored 13 points to take his Hong Kong points tally over 1000.[64] Fiji defeated New Zealand in their semi-final and faced England in the final. England defeated Fiji 33–20 in the final.[65] Later that year Serevi captained Fiji to the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester. He helped get the team to the games' final with a try-saving tackle during Fiji's 17–7 defeat of South Africa in their semi-final.[66] The final was against New Zealand, and despite Serevi landing a penalty to give Fiji a 15–14 lead with two minutes left, New Zealand won 33–17.[67] This gave Serevi his second Commonwealth Games silver medal.

Serevi did not represent Fiji in sevens in 2003, being controversially omitted from Fiji's Hong Kong Sevens squad.[68] Serevi had been unable to return to Fiji for a fitness test and national tournament due to commitments with his club Stade Montois in France. Because of this, he was omitted from the team, despite being available to play in the tournament.[69]

After recovering from his injury, Serevi was named in the Fiji sevens squad in January 2004. This was despite a rule enforced by coach Senivalati Laulau that to be eligible to play, one must attend the team's trials.[70] After being named in the training squad, Serevi was not selected for the squad for the Wellington or Los Angeles legs of the IRB World Sevens Series.[71] He then missed selection for the team to play in Hong Kong for the second year in a row.[72] Pauliasi Tabulutu replaced Laulau as Fiji's coach and recalled Serevi to play in the Bordeaux Sevens.[73] Serevi then played in the London leg of the Sevens Series – his last leg of the year.[8][74]

2005–07: player-coach

Serevi started the year by leading the Lomaiviti Barbarians in the Pacific 7s in Auckland, New Zealand.[75] He returned to Fiji, from his club Staines in England, in February that year in an attempt to play for Fiji in the 2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens. On returning to Fiji, Serevi said "My goal is to go to the World Cup".[76] After being selected by coach Wayne Pivac for the Fiji squad, Serevi was named as captain.[77][78]

Led by Serevi, Fiji qualified for the quarter-finals of the Sevens World Cup at Hong Kong, with pool victories over Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan and Portugal. After the pool matches, Pivac said of Serevi; "Waisale is the eyes for the other guys" and "he brings the others into the game and puts players into gaps."[79] After scoring the match-winning try in sudden death against England in their semi-final, Serevi led Fiji to World Cup victory over New Zealand in the final.[80] He finished the tournament as the World Cup's all-time leading points scorer and goal scorer, and the second highest all-time try scorer.[81]

A national holiday – 24 March 2005 – was declared in Fiji for the teams return, and the country's Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase declared:[82]

On behalf of the Government and people of Fiji and personally, I convey our congratulations to you all – Serevi and the team members, and the management and coaching staff.

Serevi was appointed Pivac's successor as Fiji coach on 30 March,[83] and soon after he returned to his village in Qarani to show its people the Melrose Cup.[84]

Serevi's first tournament as coach was the Singapore leg of the IRB Sevens Series; Fiji was defeated by England in their semi-final.[85] The last two legs of the 2004–05 IRB Sevens Series were played in London and Paris. There he coached Fiji to the Plate victory, and a final loss respectively.[86][87] His first major trophy as coach came when Fiji won gold in the 2005 World Games in Germany.[88]

For the entire 2005–06 IRB Sevens Series Serevi was Fiji's player-coach (his assistant coach was Jo Savou). Fiji won the George leg in South Africa, the Wellington leg in New Zealand, the Singapore leg, and the London leg in England.[89] The team also made the final of the Dubai, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong legs of the series.[89] Fiji won the Series – becoming the first team other than New Zealand to do so.[90] Following the series win Prime Minister Qarase said of Serevi:[91]

You have set an example of what we can do as a country through vision, sacrifice, hard work, discipline, and making the best use of our gifts and talents.

In Fiji, celebrations of the win even included a specially composed song dedicated to Serevi named Na Noda Laione.[92]

As well as coaching Fiji to the IRB Series win in 2006, Serevi also coached them to bronze at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.[93] There Fiji faced England in their semi-final, but Serevi was unable to take the field due to "a technical hitch with the fourth official."[94] After losing to England, Fiji recovered to defeat Australia 24–17 in the play-off for bronze.[93]

In December 2006 Serevi was offered a coaching position with the Falcons, a South African side. The offer was several times more than he received from the Fiji Rugby Union. The contract required him to be a backline coach and player for two years, and then a coach for the next three years.[95] In the end he decided to instead renew his contract with the Fiji Rugby Union. In early 2007 the interim Sports Minister Lekh Ram Vayeshnoi appointed Serevi to the board of the interim Fiji Sports Council.[96]

Serevi coached Fiji to the final of the first Sevens Series leg of 2007 in Wellington, where they lost to Samoa 17–14 in the final.[97] The team then rebounded when they defeated Samoa to win the San Diego leg. Fiji's next tournament was Hong Kong where Serevi made a world record 18th appearance.[98] He scored the final try as Fiji defeated New Zealand in Hong Kong. They then faced Samoa in the final; Samoa led 27–0 at half time. Although Fiji then scored 22 points in the second half, Samoa won the final 27–22.[99] Fiji won the following tournament at Adelaide, but only after a converted try by Serevi forcing extra time in their quarter final with South Africa.[100]

Serevi then coached Fiji to the final of the London leg, where they were defeated by New Zealand. The final leg of the 2006–07 Series was in Edinburgh. Fiji needed to qualify for the semi-finals to guarantee they would win the series. They qualified top of pool A and faced Wales in their quarter-final. Wales defeated Fiji in 21–14 in a major upset. "Wales kept the ball well against us, and they scored tries. They deserved to win," Serevi said of the loss.[101] New Zealand then won the tournament, making them the series champions after accumulating 130 points to Fiji's 128.[101] On 6 July 2007, Serevi announced his resignation as coach of the national sevens team.[102]

2007–09: Coach

On 23 July 2008, the Fiji Rugby Union announced the return of Serevi as Fiji's coach for the 2008–09 IRB World Sevens Series and the Rugby Sevens World Cup in Dubai.[103] At the time of the announcement, Serevi was in England receiving an honorary sports degree from Leeds Metropolitan University.[104] Fiji Rugby Union chairman Keni Dakuidreketi denied that Serevi's selection was a result of the public clamour after the team's performance in the 2007–08 World Sevens Series under coach Jo Savou.[105]

Despite his return, Serevi's team did not do well in the first two legs of the 2008–09 World Sevens Series, losing their semi-finals in both to South Africa. He also clashed with the Fiji Rugby Union over being left out of player selection duties. As a result, he was dismissed on 29 January 2009. Iliesa Tanivula took over the post for the rest of the series.[106]

In August 2009, the Papua New Guinea Rugby Football Union (PNGRFU) hired Serevi to become their sevens development officer on a five-year contract. He was later appointed the national sevens coach.[107] However, on 27 March 2010, the PNGRFU confirmed that the working relationship with Serevi was finished. Union president Richard Sapias said off-field decisions prompted the severing of relations, especially after Papua New Guinea performed poorly at the Adelaide sevens.[108][109]

2010–present

Seeking a fresh start a few months after his departure from the Papua New Guinea team, Serevi moved his family to the United States and settled in Seattle, Washington, to run a business with Fijian expatriates. He used his experience in rugby to open a new brand, the Serevi Rugby Nation[110], to help pool funds for Pacific Islander players and also run rugby training workshops for the youth. He also worked with the Old Puget Sound Rugby club, and helped Central Washington University qualify for the Collegiate Rugby Championships.[111] He returned in May 2013 to Fiji as a trainer at the London sevens and became assistant coach under Alivereti Dere for the 2013 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Russia.[112]

Personal life

Serevi married his wife, Karalaini, in 1993. They have three children; daughters Unaisi Serevi (born 1994) and Asinate Serevi (Naruma) (born 1995), and son Waisale Serevi Junior (born 2000).[14][113] His wife previously worked for the Fijian Defence Forces but retired in 1998 to fully devote herself to her family and her husband's rugby career. Serevi spent large parts of his career away from his family. He was apart from them when in Japan between 1992 and 1997, although his family joined him in France between 1999 and 2004.[7] He is a committed Christian, and along with his family attends Church regularly.[114] On his boots, strapping, and jersey for every match Serevi has the words "Philippians 4:13" written. It is a reference to the biblical quote "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".[115]

Serevi learned Japanese while in Japan, and also taught English whilst there.[15] Despite living in France for several years he did not learn French, and required an interpreter for interviews.[116] Serevi's interests include listening to music, and watching movies.[8][117] Apart from rugby, he also likes to play touch rugby and volleyball.[117] Other interests include meeting people, and travelling the world.[117]

On 18 May 2007, Serevi was appointed a Special Inspector with the Fiji Police Force by the acting Commissioner of Police Romanu Tikotikoca.[118] The appointment is in youth and community policing. Serevi will not be a regular officer, but will be paid for the hours he works.[119]

Achievements

Serevi has been inducted into the Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee's Hall of Fame in 2005, and was named the Fiji Times 2005 Personality of the Year.[7][120][121] In 2013, he was inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame – the first Fijian to receive the honour. His presentation took place at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament that year.[122] At the time of Serevi's induction, Chairman Bernard Lapasset said:[122]

He was an exceptional player who has excelled in both Sevens and Fifteens and achieved all that there is to achieve in Rugby Sevens … while also winning the hearts of fans around the world with his exciting and entertaining style of play.

XVs

• Rugby World Cup tournaments: 1991, 1999, 2003[n 2]
• Barbarians matches, versus: Scotland (2002), Leicester (2002 and 2003), London Irish (2003)
• World XV matches, versus: Leicester (1996 and 1997)

Test statistics[8]
Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Tries	Conversions	Penalties	Drop goals	Points total
Argentina	1	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	2
Australia	1	0	0	1	1	2	2	0	15
Belgium	1	1	0	0	2	0	0	0	8
Canada	2	1	0	1	0	0	0	1	3
Chile	1	1	0	0	0	2	0	0	4
England	2	0	0	2	0	1	2	1	11
France	4	0	0	4	0	0	0	0	0
Ireland	1	0	0	1	0	1	0	0	2
Italy	2	1	0	1	2	1	1	0	15
Japan	2	2	0	0	2	4	1	0	19
Namibia	1	1	0	0	0	8	2	0	22
Samoa	4	1	0	3	1	3	3	0	20
Scotland	4	1	0	3	0	5	4	0	22
South Africa	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0
Spain	1	1	0	0	1	2	0	0	9
Tonga	6	3	0	3	0	3	7	1	30
Uruguay	1	1	0	0	1	4	2	0	19
US	1	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	3
Wales	1	0	0	1	1	1	0	0	7
Total	37	15	0	22	11	38	25	3	211

Rugby sevens

Waisale Serevi during the 2007 Wellington Sevens

Rugby World Cup Sevens

Serevi played in four Rugby World Cup Sevens (1993, 1997, 2001, and 2005). He won the tournament with Fiji in 1997 and 2005, and is the overall top points scorer with 297 points.[123] He is also the second-top try scorer with 21 tries.

Commonwealth and World Games

Serevi competed in three Commonwealth Games; Kuala Lumpur in 1998, Manchester in 2002, and Melbourne in 2006. With Fiji he won silver in 1998 and 2002, and bronze in 2006. Serevi led Fiji to gold in both the 2001 World Games in Japan, and the 2005 World Games in Germany.

IRB Sevens World Series

The following is a list of IRB Sevens tournaments Serevi has participated in as a player. He is the series' fourth highest points scorer overall with 1310 points (79 tries, 457 goals).[124] The list excludes Hong Kong legs, these are listed separately below. Those years in bold indicate Fiji won the tournament.

• Adelaide : 2007
• Argentina : 2002
• Bordeaux : 2004, 2005
• Brisbane : 2000, 2002
• Chile : 2002
• China : 2002
• Dubai : 2005, 2006
• Edinburgh : 2007
• Fiji : 1999, 2000
• Japan : 2000
• George : 1999, 2005, 2006
• London : 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
• Paris : 2006
• Wales : 2001
• Singapore : 2006
• Wellington : 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007
• US : 2006, 2007

Hong Kong Sevens

Results for all Hong Kong Sevens tournaments since Serevi's first in 1989. Table includes Rugby World Cup Sevens tournaments and IRB Sevens World Series legs.

Year	Placing	Comments
1989	losing semi-finalists	Player of the tournament
1990	Champions	Player of the tournament
1991	Champions
1992	Champions	Player of the tournament
1993	Losing finalists
1994	Losing semi-finalists
1995	Losing finalists
1996	Losing finalists
1997	Champions	Tournament doubled as Rugby Sevens World Cup
1998	Champions	Player of the tournament
1999	Champions
2000	Losing finalists
2001	NA	Did not attend
2002	Losing finalists
2003	NA	Did not attend
2004	NA	Did not attend
2005	Champions	Tournament doubled as Rugby Sevens World Cup
2006	Losing finalists	Serevi was player-coach
2007	Losing finalists	Serevi was player-coach

Notes and references

Notes

1. Rugby sevens was invented in Scotland, and first played in Melrose in 1883.
2. Note Fiji did not qualify for the 1995 tournament.

References

1. "Fiji Sevens great Serevi enters IRB Hall of Fame". USA Rugby.
2. "Sevens heaven – the best in the business". ESPN.
3. "Vote: Who is the greatest sevens player of all time?". Rugby World. 13 March 2015.
4. "Rugby Sevens is Exploding – and Here is its Greatest Ever Team". The Huffington Post. 19 April 2012.
5. "Serevi book for sale | Fiji Sun". fijisun.com.fj. Retrieved 17 November 2018.
6. Age not an issue for Serevi, news24 archives, 2005-02-23
7. Qalo, Serafina (31 December 2005). "One tough road to the top". Fiji Times. p. 1.
8. "Waisale Serevi". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2002. Retrieved 14 March 2007.
9. "Lions spurred Serevi to play". Fiji Times. 24 March 2005. p. 50.
10. "God gave me the gifts, says Fiji sevens 'genius'". Waikato Times. 20 March 2000. p. 10.
11. "Rugby World Cup – The Cash-Strapped Nursery". Financial Times. 6 October 1999. p. 19.
12. Masters, Roy (2 February 1994). "God and Mammon Unit to Keep the Faith". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 52.
13. Masters, Roy (9 November 1993). "Fijian Legend Set to be the Star". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 49.
14. Hewett, Chris (29 August 1997). "Slick Serevi Refuses to be Typecast". The Independent. London. p. 22.
15. Hands, David (30 August 1997). "Sevens Specialist Widens his Horizons". The Times. United Kingdom. p. 43.
16. "Serevi prolongs stay in France". Agence France-Presse. 2 June 1999.
17. "Serevi back for Mont-De-Marsan". Agence France-Presse. 10 October 2001.
18. "Fiji legend Serevi joins Stade Bordelais". Agence France-Presse. 26 December 2003.
19. "Serevi Meeting". The Citizen. 14 December 2004. p. 48.
20. Gallagher, Brendan (23 December 2004). "About Rugby". The Daily Telegraph. UK. p. 06.
21. Couret, Jean-Paul (21 November 2001). "Rugby union-Fijians looking to Britain for injury-hit team". Reuters.
22. "Fiji bounce back with win over French Barbarians". Reuters. 19 November 2001.
23. Barnes, Simon (3 April 1989). "New Zealand have the best of both worlds". The Times. United Kingdom.
24. Growden, Greg (3 April 1990). "Life, old 'girl', is a shock, horror cabaret". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 53.
25. "Fiji clinch rugby union sevens title with injury-time try". Reuters. 24 March 1991.
26. "Fijians win third successive Hong Kong Sevens title". Reuters. 5 April 1992.
27. "Western Samoa battle to first Hong Kong Sevens title". Reuters. 28 March 1993.
28. "Fiji aim to avenge Hong Kong defeat". Agence France-Presse. 13 April 1993.
29. "England snatch world sevens title". Reuters. 18 April 1993.
30. "Leading World Cup Sevens scorers". Agence France-Presse. 18 April 1993.
31. "Second days results in Hong Kong sevens". Reuters. 27 March 1994.
32. "NZ storm to fifth Hong Kong title". Reuters. 26 March 1995.
33. "Masirewa seals Hong Kong Sevens win for New Zealand". Reuters. 31 March 1996.
34. Douglas, Derek (25 November 1996). "Morgan and co call for better preparation for the World Cup". The Herald. p. 9.
35. "The sevens wonder of the world". nobok.co.uk. Retrieved 21 March 2007.
36. "Serevi vows to recover World Cup Sevens crown". Reuters. 22 March 1997.
37. "Fiji's Serevi sets Sevens on fire ...". Agence France-Presse. 22 March 1997.
38. "Defence, not Serevi, the secret to Fiji glory". Agence France-Presse. 23 March 1997.
39. "Fiji win Sevens". The Australian. 24 March 1997. p. 27.
40. "Spirits boosted". Evening Standard. 3 June 1997. p. 20.
41. Foley, Chris (26 March 1998). "Fiji, New Zealand lay rival claims to Hong Kong crown". Agence France-Presse.
42. Crean, John (28 March 1998). "Argentina give Fiji a fright". Reuters.
43. Crean, John (29 March 1998). "Fiji take eighth Hong Kong sevens title". Reuters.
44. Williams, Brian (15 September 1998). "Kiwis recover pride with Sevens gold". Reuters.
45. "Serevi leads Fijian assault". The Daily Telegraph. United Kingdom. 24 March 1999. p. 80.
46. Duxbury, Jeremy (23 March 2006). "Veteran Serevi leads Fiji off to Sevens". Reuters.
47. "Serevi magic leads favourites Fiji into Hong Kong quarters". Agence France-Presse. 27 March 1999.
48. "Serevi sorcery gives Fiji ninth Hong Kong title". Agence France-Presse. 28 March 1999.
49. "IRB World Sevens Series – Dubai". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2001. Retrieved 23 March 2007.
50. "Double give Fiji edge over Kiwis". The Daily Telegraph. United Kingdom. 13 December 1999. p. 46.
51. "Waisale Serevi". The Times. United Kingdom. 15 January 2000. p. 43.
52. "IRB World Sevens Series – Wellington". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2001. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
53. "IRB World Sevens Series – Fiji". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2001. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
54. Zavos, Spiros (22 February 2000). "Sevens Heaven in Brisbane Means A Little Hell For Ella's Australians". The Sydney Morning Herald. p. 25.
55. "IRB World Sevens Series – Brisbane". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2001. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
56. "Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong 7s 24–26 March 2000". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2001. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
57. "Japan Sevens 2000 1–2 April 2000". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 26 January 2001. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
58. Weil, Eric (29 January 2001). "New Zealand defeats Australia to win Rugby World Cup Sevens championship". Associated Press.
59. "Kiwis triumph in Wales, Fiji win Plate". teivovo.com. 3 June 2001. Archived from the original on 17 June 2001. Retrieved 25 March 2007.
60. Luk, Helen (29 March 2001). "Fiji confident despite absence of Serevi". Associated Press.
61. "Canadian rugby sevens squad finishes sixth at World Games". The Canadian Press. 27 August 2001.
62. "NZ, Fiji in ugly sevens brawl". The Dominion (Wellington). 7 January 2002. p. 1.
63. "Fiji win in Argentina Sevens, Kiwis eliminated in semifinal". New Zealand Press Association. 13 January 2002.
64. Taylor, Stuart (30 March 2002). "Serevi continues to excel despite advancing years". South Wales Evening Post.
65. "England upsets Fiji 33–20 in final of Hong Kong Rugby Sevens". Associated Press. 25 March 2002.
66. "Games get their Magnificent sevens final". Agence France-Presse. 4 August 2002.
67. Mulvey, Paul (5 August 2002). "If only we had seven says Serevi". Australian Associated Press.
68. "Laulau clears the air on Serevi". The Daily Telegraph. UK. 3 April 2003. p. 48.
69. "Serevi out of Fiji squad for HK Sevens due to French commitments". Agence France-Presse. 14 March 2003.
70. Prasad, Jeetendra (4 January 2004). "Laulau changes tune over Serevi". Fiji Times. p. 32.
71. Singh, Indra (21 January 2004). "Naqelevuki to lead 7s team". Fiji Times. p. 48.
72. Sallay, Alvin (15 March 2004). "Omission points to end for Serevi". South China Morning Post. Hong Kong. p. 14.
73. Singh, Zanzeer (6 May 2004). "Serevi named in Fiji line-up". Fiji Times. p. 80.
74. Singh, Indra (7 June 2004). "Fijians face South Africa". Fiji Times. p. 35.
75. "Serevi and Co win Plate final". Fiji Times. 12 January 2005. p. 47.
76. Singh, Zanzeer (23 February 2005). "Maestro answers Fiji's call for duty". Fiji Times. p. 44.
77. Alderson, Andrew (1 March 2005). "Fiji sevens coach Wayne Pivac recalls legend Waisale Serevi for the World Cup in Hong Kong in a few weeks". IRN News.
78. "Serevi to lead Fiji at Sevens World Cup". New Zealand Press Association. 17 March 2005.
79. Careem, Nazvi (20 March 2005). "Serevi 'the eyes' as Fiji romp through; Islanders' captain runs the show as they find sublime form to set up quarter-final clash with Argentina". South China Morning Post. Hong Kong. p. 5.
80. Lee, Min (21 March 2005). "Led by Serevi, Fiji beats New Zealand for second World Cup Sevens title". Associated Press.
81. "Fiji's Waisale Serevi cements legendary status with second World Cup win. Serevi along with Marika Vunibaka are the lone survivors from the 1997 winning world cup team which was also held in Hong Kong". Associated Press. 21 March 2005.
82. "Fiji to declare public holiday to celebrate Hong Kong win". PACNEWS. 21 March 2005.
83. Bolaitamana, Maciu (31 March 2005). "Serevi accepts 7s job". Fiji Times. p. 40.
84. "Islands greet Melrose Cup". Fiji Times. 31 March 2005. p. 38.
85. Niumataiwalu, Ana (18 April 2005). "Serevi says sorry for sevens loss". Fiji Times. p. 32.
86. "Canada tops Kenya in Shield final". Calgary Herald. 6 June 2005. p. E7.
87. "France win Paris leg of IRB Sevens". Australian Associated Press. 12 June 2005.
88. Singh, Zanzeer (29 July 2005). "Maestro plans next move". Fiji Times. p. 56.
89. "2005–06 IRB WORLD 7s Series Scoreboard". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2006. Retrieved 8 April 2007.
90. "IRB 7s – London 2006". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 8 April 2007.
91. "Emotional Qarase thanks Serevi". Fiji Times. 13 June 2006. p. 3.
92. "Special song for a special man". Fiji Times. 13 June 2006. p. 3.
93. "Elusive gold". Fiji Times. 18 March 2006. p. 80.
94. "Serevi says sorry, names team to HK". Fiji Times. 23 March 2006. p. 46.
95. Singh, Zanzeer (1 January 2007). "Stars unhappy". Fiji Times. p. 24.
96. "Rajendra Chaudry accepts board appointment". fijivillage.com. 27 January 2007. Archived from the original on 9 May 2007. Retrieved 4 March 2007.
97. "Samoa surprise Fiji in Wellington final". teivovo.com. Archived from the original on 10 April 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2007.
98. "One of a kind". Fiji Times. 28 March 2007. p. 6.
99. "Samoa claim Hong Kong glory". teivovo.com. 1 April 2007. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 31 May 2007.
100. Brettig, Daniel (8 April 2007). "Fiji wins Adelaide sevens tournament". Australian Associated Press.
101. "Sevens shock: Fiji loses series to NZ". Fiji Times. 4 June 2007. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 4 June 2007.
102. "Serevi quits". Fiji Times. 7 June 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 7 June 2007.
103. "Serevi is back as 7s coach: FRU". 24 July 2008.
104. "Dr Serevi". The Fiji Times. 24 July 2008. Archived from the original on 22 March 2012.
105. Rodney Duthie (26 July 2008). "FRU buckles under pressure". The Fiji Times. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012.
106. Neil Reid (29 January 2009). "Serevi sacked as Fiji Sevens turmoil continues". Yahoo!Xtra Sport. Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
107. "Serevi lands Papua New Guinea role". Ultimate Rugby Sevens. 18 August 2009. Archived from the original on 24 February 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2013.
108. "Serevi axed". The Fiji Times. 31 March 2010. Archived from the original on 25 August 2012.
109. Puaria, Keith. "Sapias speaks out on Serevi saga". Papua New Guinea: The National.
110. "'Serevi Rugby Nation' will help rugby". Retrieved 11 March 2019.
111. Borzilleri, Meri-Jo (17 April 2011). "Seattle's Waisale Serevi: New face of American rugby". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on 23 August 2011. Retrieved 7 June 2013.
112. "Fiji 7s welcome back Waisale Serevi to the management team for London and Rugby World Cup". Ultimate Rugby Sevens. Fiji Times. 10 May 2013. Archived from the original on 15 June 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
113. Dhaliwal, S. S. (25 July 2004). "Serevi ponders son's future". Sunday Mail. p. 74.
114. Serevi, Waisale (12 March 2005). "Wife and family support the backbone of my success". Fiji Times. p. 88.
115. Rabuku, Otilly (29 May 2005). "Another trophy for the 7s maestro". Fiji Times. p. 31.
116. lame, René (2001). "Interview – Waisale Serevi" (in French). umc-europe.org. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 16 April 2007.
117. "SEREVI Waisale". Commonwealth Games Bio. melbourne2006.com.au. Archived from the original on 13 September 2006. Retrieved 5 March 2007.
118. "Waisale Serevi appointed police inspector". Fiji Times. 18 May 2007. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 4 June 2007.
119. "Officers welcome Serevi: Chief". Fiji Times. 20 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 September 2007. Retrieved 4 June 2007.
120. "2005 Waisale Tikoisolomone Serevi – Rugby Union". Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee. 6 September 2006. Retrieved 23 March 2007.
121. "Fiji Sports Hall of Fame". Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee. Retrieved 16 April 2007.
122. "Sevens great Serevi enters IRB Hall of Fame" (Press release). International Rugby Board. 23 March 2013. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 8 June 2013.
123. "Tournament Central". rwcsevens.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2007. Retrieved 13 April 2007.
124. "IRB Sevens Player Statistics". irbsevens.com. Retrieved 4 June 2007.

External links

• Official Website
• ""Simply Serevi" – A career review on UR7s.com". Archived from the original on 21 August 2009. Retrieved 17 August 2009.