When the Flying Fijians edged the British Lions 25-21 in Suva in 1977, a young Waisale Serevi felt a spark to one day wear the island’s white jumper. The sevens legend would go on to become a global icon of the game, earning a historic place as Fiji’s first inductee into the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
Years later, after a storied career that spanned 21 years of international rugby in both codes and included two Sevens World Cups in 1997 and 2005 as well as seven Rugby World Cups, Serevi began plotting a different kind of legacy. He and his circle—business partner Chris Prentice, his wife Julie, Semi Lotawa (FIJI Water’s philanthropy director), and former American rugby player Alipate Tuilevuka—co-founded the Serevi Rugby brand to channel that influence toward family and community.
Speaking at the FRU 2025 Symposium in the upper hall of Albert Park in Suva, Serevi reflected on what had driven him to pivot from field to forge a lasting off-field impact. “I had gold medals, I had fame and recognition,” he told the gathering. “But I knew my journey had to be more than all these awards. I told him (Chris Prentice), I want to give back to rugby and I want to give back to my family.” He emphasized that while the game gave him a platform, his family gave him the strength to repay it, and that rugby should be used to serve others, not just oneself. “Rugby is to serve others, it’s not all about you. Using my influence to care for my family and community that are outside me,” he added.
Beyond the brand, Serevi’s philanthropy has taken root in broader youth initiatives. He has championed the Aqua Pacific Serevi Academy of Rugby, a program dedicated to developing not only skilled players but also strong people who choose the right path. Camps and outreach emphasize goal-setting, discipline, and personal integrity, with a focus on steering youth away from drugs and toward positive life choices. Faith also plays a guiding role in his work, with Philippians 4:13 frequently cited as a source of inspiration.
The 2025 wave of activity comes as the Flying Fijians prepare for their Pacific Nations Cup clash against Tonga at the HFC Bank Stadium, set for kickoff at 3pm on Saturday. The game serves as a timely reminder of Fiji’s depth of talent and the ongoing influence of figures like Serevi, who remain deeply involved in mentoring and development at the grassroots and national levels.
Serevi’s work, ranging from youth academies to coaching roles with the Fiji Sports Council’s Under-20 programs and high-profile tournament leadership, reflects a broader ethos: rugby can be a powerful vehicle for character, leadership, and community resilience. As Fiji looks to build its next generation of rugby stars, Serevi’s blend of on-field pedigree and off-field purpose offers a hopeful blueprint for sustainable success.
Summary: Waisale Serevi’s enduring impact on Fijian rugby extends from historic on-field achievements to a transformative off-field mission. Through the Serevi Rugby brand and youth academies, he channels his legacy into empowering families and communities, while continuing to contribute to Fiji’s national program. The upcoming match against Tonga provides a live stage for Fiji’s continuing rugby story and the broader work he champions.
Note for editors: Serevi’s philanthropic work includes the Aqua Pacific Serevi Academy of Rugby, which emphasizes discipline, positive life choices, and drug resistance, alongside his coaching and mentorship roles with youth squads. This multi-pronged approach reinforces Fiji’s rugby culture and the social value of sport.
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