Serevi Among Inaugural Pasifika Inductees in NZ
The seven were recognised for their contribution and influence on the sport in the Pacific and world.
Sunday 31 March 2024 | 11:57
Waisale Serevi delivers his speech following his induction into the Pasifika Rugby Hall of fame in Auckland on March 28, 2024. Photo: Courtsey of Waisale Serevi
King of sevens and Qarani, Gau native Waisele Serevi was one of the sevens inductees of the inaugural Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame held at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday night.
The inductees included Seiuli Fiao’o Fa’amausili, the late Papali’itele Peter Fatialofa, Muliagatele Brian Lima, the late Jonah Lomu, Serevi, George Smith and Tuifa’asisina Sir Bryan Williams.
The seven were recognised for their contribution and influence on the sport in the Pacific and world.
On his Facebook page, Serevi said it was special to be inducted among some of the Pasifika legends and receiving his blazer from Sir Michael Jones made it a memorable night.
He wrote: “Grateful to God Almighty for all He has done on this journey and it was an honour and priviledge to be inducted to the first Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame Class of 2024, it is something that I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
Also acknowledged for their contribution to rugby were: former All Blacks captain Ardie Savea received the Jonah Lomu award for the most influential Pasifika male player in the world, Ruby Tui recipient of the Seiuli Fiao’o Fa’amausili award for the most influential Pasifika women player in the world, Manaé Feleu and Mark Telea received the Waisale Serevi award for the Pasifika breakthrough player of the year.
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