View source for Waisale Serevi

{{Short description|Fijian rugby union and coach (born 1968)}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2022}}
{{Featured article}}
<!--This article is written in Commonwealth English.-->{{Infobox rugby biography
| name            = Waisale Serevi
| image           = Waisale Serevi 2014.jpg
| alt             = Serevi in Fiji for the 2013 Coral Coast 7's
| caption         = Serevi in 2014
| birth_name      = Waisale Tikoisolomoni Serevi
| birth_date      = {{Birth date and age|df=y|1968|5|20}}
| birth_place     = [[Suva]], Fiji
| death_date      =
| death_place     = 
| height          = 1.69 m
| weight          = {{convert|85|kg|stlb lb|abbr=on}}
| ru_position     = [[Fly-half (rugby union)|Fly-half]], [[Fullback (rugby union)|Fullback]], [[Scrum-half (rugby union)|Scrum-half]]
| amatyears1      = 
| amatyears2      = 1987–88
| amatyears3      = 1989
| amatyears4      = 1989
| amatteam1       = Nasinu
| amatteam2       = Rewa
| amatteam3       = Nabua
| amatteam4       = Suva
| ru_amupdate     = 14 March 2007
| repteam1        = Fiji&nbsp;B
| repteam2        = Fiji&nbsp;XV
| repteam3        = [[Fiji national rugby union team|Fiji]]
| repyears1       = 1987
| repyears2       = 1987
| repyears3       = 1989–03
| repcaps1        = 
| repcaps2        = 
| repcaps3        = 39
| reppoints1      = 
| reppoints2      = 
| reppoints3      = 219
| ru_ntupdate     = 14 March 2007
| years1          = 1993–96
| years2          = 1997–98
| years3          = 1998–2003
| years4          = 2004
| years5          = 2004–08
| clubs1          = [[Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara|Mitsubishi]]
| clubs2          = [[Leicester Tigers|Leicester]]
| clubs3          = [[Stade Montois]]
| clubs4          = [[Stade Bordelais]]
| clubs5          = [[Staines]]
| apps1           = 0
| points1         = 0
| ru_clubupdate   = 14 March 2007
| repsevensyears1 = 1990–07
| repsevensteam1  = [[Fiji national rugby sevens team|Fiji]]
| repsevenscomp1  = 359
| ru_sevensupdate = 9 July 2007
| coachyears1     = 2005–07
| coachyears2     = 2008–09
| coachyears3     = 2018–19
| coachteams1     = [[Fiji national rugby sevens team|Fiji Sevens]]
| coachteams2     = [[Fiji national rugby sevens team|Fiji Sevens]]
| coachteams3     = [[Russia national rugby sevens team|Russia Sevens]]
| ru_coachupdate  = 28 November 2019
| occupation      = 
| relatives       = 
| school          = Delainamasi Government School<br/>[[Lelean Memorial School]]
| university      = 
| medals          = {{MedalSport | Men's [[rugby sevens]] }}
{{MedalCountry | {{FIJ}} }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Rugby World Cup Sevens]] }}
{{MedalGold | [[1997 Rugby World Cup Sevens|1997 HongKong]] | [[Rugby World Cup Sevens|Team competition]] }}
{{MedalGold | [[2005 Rugby World Cup Sevens|2005 HongKong]] | [[Rugby World Cup Sevens|Team competition]] }}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Commonwealth Games]] }}
{{MedalSilver | [[1998 Commonwealth Games|1998 Kuala Lumpur]] | [[Rugby sevens at the 1998 Commonwealth Games|Team competition]] }}
{{MedalSilver | [[2002 Commonwealth Games|2002 Manchester]] | [[Rugby sevens at the 2002 Commonwealth Games|Team competition]] }}
{{MedalBronze | [[2006 Commonwealth Games|2006 Melbourne]] | [[Rugby sevens at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|Team competition]] }} 
}}

'''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]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.usarugby.org/2013/03/fiji-sevens-great-serevi-enters-irb-hall-of-fame/ | title=Fiji Sevens great Serevi enters IRB Hall of Fame|publisher=USA Rugby}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://en.espn.co.uk/sevensworldcup/rugby/story/92944.html | title=Sevens heaven – the best in the business | publisher=ESPN | access-date=24 March 2017 | archive-date=17 November 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117104851/http://en.espn.co.uk/sevensworldcup/rugby/story/92944.html | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://www.rugbyworld.com/tournaments/sevens-world-series/who-is-the-greatest-sevens-player-of-all-time-43739 | title=Vote: Who is the greatest sevens player of all time?| magazine=Rugby World|date=2015-03-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/scott-jordan-harris/rugby-sevens-is-exploding_b_1432865.html | title=Rugby Sevens is Exploding – and Here is its Greatest Ever Team|work=Huffington Post| date=2012-04-19}}</ref> A biography of Serevi titled ''Waisale Serevi: King of Sevens'' by Nick Darvenzi was published in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fijisun.com.fj/2018/03/29/serevi-book-for-sale/|title=Serevi book for sale {{!}} Fiji Sun|website=fijisun.com.fj|language=en-US|access-date=2018-11-17}}</ref>

In the 15-man game, he played for [[Fiji national rugby union team|Fiji]] 39 times between 1989 and 2003, and scored 376 points. This included representing Fiji in the [[1991 Rugby World Cup|1991]], [[1999 Rugby World Cup|1999]], and [[2003 Rugby World Cup]]s. He also played professionally for the [[Mitsubishi Juko Sagamihara|Mitsubishi]], [[Leicester Tigers|Leicester]], [[Stade Montois]], [[Stade Bordelais]] and [[Staines Rugby Football Club|Staines]] rugby teams.<ref>[http://www.news24.com/xArchive/Sport/Rugby/Age-not-an-issue-for-Serevi-20050223 Age not an issue for Serevi], news24 archives, 2005-02-23</ref>

His representative sevens career started in 1989 when he played for [[Fiji national rugby sevens team|Fiji]] at the [[Hong Kong Sevens|Hong Kong]] tournament. Serevi also played in the [[1993 Rugby World Cup Sevens|1993]], [[1997 Rugby World Cup Sevens|1997]], [[2001 Rugby World Cup Sevens|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 Commonwealth Games|1998]] and [[2002 Commonwealth Games|2002]], and captured bronze in [[Rugby Sevens at the 2006 Commonwealth Games|2006]]. Serevi played in the [[International Rugby Board]] [[IRB Sevens World Series|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 national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]].

== Early life ==
The third of five children, Serevi was born in [[Suva]], on the island of [[Viti Levu]], on 20 May 1968.<ref name="FijiTimes05">{{Cite news |title=One tough road to the top |work=Fiji Times |date=31 December 2005 |page=1 |last=Qalo |first=Serafina}}</ref><ref name="Teivovo">{{cite web|url=http://www.teivovo.com/team_fiji/profiles/s/waisale_serevi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020820160814/http://www.teivovo.com/team_fiji/profiles/s/waisale_serevi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 August 2002 |title=Waisale Serevi |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=14 March 2007 }}</ref> He was raised by staunch Christian parents who were both heavily involved in [[Religion in Fiji#Christianity in Fiji|the Church]].<ref name="FijiTimes05" /> Serevi's inspiration to play rugby stemmed from his childhood, when Fiji defeated the [[British and Irish Lions|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.<ref name="1977Lions">{{Cite news |title=Lions spurred Serevi to play |work=Fiji Times |date=24 March 2005 |page=50}}</ref>

His family moved twice when he was a child, the second time settling in Suva where Serevi started secondary school.<ref name="GodsGifts">{{Cite news |title=God gave me the gifts, says Fiji sevens 'genius' |work=Waikato Times |page=10 |date=20 March 2000}}</ref> There he attended Lelean Memorial School.<ref name="Teivovo" /> 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."<ref name="FijiTimes05" />

After failing his examinations, Serevi quit school and continued to play for his local club Rewa.<ref name="GodsGifts" /> 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.<ref name="GodsGifts" /> 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.<ref name="FijiTimes05" /> Serevi's Nabua team were highly successful in Fiji's sevens tournaments.<ref name="GodsGifts" />

== 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 Juko Sagamihara|Mitsubishi]] team from [[Kyoto]], Japan.<ref name="CashStrapped">{{Cite news |title=Rugby World Cup – The Cash-Strapped Nursery |work=Financial Times |date=6 October 1999 |page=19}}</ref> His initial salary was A$70,000 a year before this increased to A$90,000 a year.<ref name="GodMammon">{{Cite news |title=God and Mammon Unit to Keep the Faith |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |last=Masters |first=Roy |date=2 February 1994 |page=52}}</ref> While with Mitsubishi in 1994, Serevi was approached by [[Australian Rugby League]] clubs the [[Canberra Raiders]], and later the [[South Queensland Crushers|Brisbane Crushers]] to play for them.<ref name="FijianLegend">{{Cite news |title=Fijian Legend Set to be the Star |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=9 November 1993 |last=Masters |first=Roy |page=49}}</ref> 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 of Fiji and Rotuma|Methodist Church]] to continue playing rugby union.<ref name="GodMammon" />

Serevi continued to play for Mitsubishi until 1997 when he joined English club [[Leicester Tigers|Leicester]] on a two-year contract.<ref name="SlickSerevi">{{Cite news |title=Slick Serevi Refuses to be Typecast |work=The Independent |location=London |last=Hewett |first=Chris |date=29 August 1997 |page=22}}</ref><ref name="SevensSpecialist">{{Cite news |title=Sevens Specialist Widens his Horizons |work=The Times |location=United Kingdom |last=Hands |first=David |date=30 August 1997 |page=43}}</ref> He was first approached by Leicester after he played against them for a World XV at [[Twickenham Stadium|Twickenham]] in 1996. He stayed at Leicester for only one season before moving to the French club [[Stade Montois]] in [[Mont-de-Marsan]].<ref name="SlickSerevi" /><ref name="Montois">{{Cite news |title=Serevi prolongs stay in France |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=2 June 1999}}</ref>

After joining Stade Montois, Serevi moved to the coaching staff due to the [[Pro D2|second level]] sides only being allowed to play two non-European Union players.<ref name="BackMontois">{{Cite news |title=Serevi back for Mont-De-Marsan |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=10 October 2001}}</ref> 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.<ref name="StadeBordelais">{{Cite news |title=Fiji legend Serevi joins Stade Bordelais. |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=26 December 2003}}</ref> In late 2004 Serevi joined London club [[Staines]]; making his debut in a victory against Thurrock in December that year.<ref name="SereviMeeting">{{Cite news |title=Serevi Meeting |work=The Citizen |page=48 |date=14 December 2004}}</ref><ref name="AboutRugby">{{Cite news |title=About Rugby |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |last=Gallagher |first=Brendan |date=23 December 2004 |page=06}}</ref> 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 Rugby Football Union|Wellington]] in New Zealand.<ref name="Teivovo" /> 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.<ref name="FijiTimes05" /> The next year he made his [[Test match (rugby union)|Test]] debut against [[Belgium national rugby union team|Belgium]] in Liege.<ref name="Teivovo" />

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.<ref name="Teivovo" /> He played against [[France national rugby union team|France]] and [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]], losing both games. He only played four fifteen-aside games for Fiji in 1992 and 1993 – with Fiji losing all four.<ref name="Teivovo" /> 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 Rugby Union|Northland]] in [[Whangārei]], and resulted in a 49–18 win; Serevi's first win with the national team since 1991.<ref name="Teivovo" /> He was selected for seven games in 1996, including matches against [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]] and the [[Māori All Blacks|New Zealand Māori]].<ref name="Teivovo" />

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

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.<ref name="Italy2001">{{Cite news |title=Rugby union-Fijians looking to Britain for injury-hit team |agency=Reuters|date=21 November 2001 |last=Couret |first=Jean-Paul}}</ref> This was followed by a match against Italy where he scored all of Fiji's points (Fiji lost 10–66).<ref name="Italy2001" /> He played two more matches for Fiji that season, including a win over the [[French Barbarians]], in which Serevi was captain.<ref name="FrenchBarbarians2001">{{Cite news |title=Fiji bounce back with win over French Barbarians |agency=Reuters|date=19 November 2001}}</ref>

In 2002 Serevi played four matches for Fiji – all were losses; first against [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]], then [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland]], Scotland A, and [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]].<ref name="Teivovo" /> 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]], [[Tasman Rugby Union|Marlborough]], and [[Chile national rugby union team|Chile]].<ref name="Teivovo" /> His last match for Fiji was a 41–13 win over [[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]] in the [[2003 Rugby World Cup]]; his third Rugby World Cup tournament.<ref name="Teivovo" />

== 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 national rugby sevens team|New Zealand]] won the tournament, beating Fiji in their semi-final, Serevi was named player of the tournament.<ref name="HK1989">{{Cite news |title=New Zealand have the best of both worlds |work=The Times |location=United Kingdom |date=3 April 1989 |last=Barnes |first=Simon}}</ref> Serevi returned in 1990 when Fiji won their first of three consecutive Hong Kong Sevens titles,<ref name="Teivovo" /> and he again picked up player of the tournament after Fiji defeated New Zealand in the final.<ref name="HK1990">{{Cite news |title=Life, old 'girl', is a shock, horror cabaret |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=3 April 1990 |page=53 |last=Growden |first=Greg}}</ref><ref name="HK1991">{{Cite news |title=Fiji clinch rugby union sevens title with injury-time try |agency=Reuters|date=24 March 1991}}</ref> In 1992 Serevi was again named the player of the tournament.<ref name="HK1992">{{Cite news |title=Fijians win third successive Hong Kong Sevens title |agency=Reuters|date=5 April 1992}}</ref>

At the 1993 Hong Kong Sevens, Serevi scored three tries to help Fiji to a 17–14 win over [[Australia national rugby sevens team|Australia]] in the semi-final, but was unable to prevent his team being defeated 14–12 in the final by [[Samoa national rugby sevens team|Samoa]].<ref name="HK1993">{{Cite news |title=Western Samoa battle to first Hong Kong Sevens title. |agency=Reuters|date=28 March 1993}}</ref> Fiji's next major tournament was the inaugural 1993 [[Rugby World Cup Sevens|Rugby Sevens World Cup]] held in [[Edinburgh]], Scotland.{{refn|Rugby sevens was invented in Scotland, and first played in [[Melrose, Scotland|Melrose]] in 1883.|group=n}} Serevi said that the team was working "sometimes nine hours a day" in preparation for the Sevens World Cup.<ref name="NineHours">{{Cite news |title=Fiji aim to avenge Hong Kong defeat |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=13 April 1993}}</ref> Fiji were defeated by eventual champions [[England national rugby sevens team|England]] 21–7 in their semi-final.<ref name="Semi1993">{{Cite news |title=England snatch world sevens title. |agency=Reuters|date=18 April 1993}}</ref> Serevi was the equal top point scorer for the tournament.<ref name="Points1993">{{Cite news |title=Leading World Cup Sevens scorers |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=18 April 1993}}</ref>

=== 1994–99 ===
After playing in sevens tournaments in Fiji and [[Canberra]], Serevi returned to the Hong Kong Sevens. After defeating [[South Africa national rugby sevens team|South Africa]] in their quarter-final, Fiji lost to eventual winners New Zealand in their semi-final.<ref name="HK1994">{{Cite news |title=Second days results in Hong Kong sevens. |agency=Reuters|date=27 March 1994}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HK1995">{{Cite news |title=NZ storm to fifth Hong Kong title. |agency=Reuters|date=26 March 1995}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HK1996">{{Cite news |title=Masirewa seals Hong Kong Sevens win for New Zealand |agency=Reuters|date=31 March 1996}}</ref> Serevi finished the year by leading Fiji to victory in the [[Dubai Sevens]].<ref name="Dubai1996">{{Cite news |title=Morgan and co call for better preparation for the World Cup |work=The Herald |date=25 November 1996 |page=9 |last=Douglas |first=Derek}}</ref>

The following year the Hong Kong Sevens doubled as the 1997 Rugby Sevens World Cup. Serevi was Fiji's captain for the tournament.<ref name="Nobok">{{cite web |url=http://www.nobok.co.uk/page/RugbyBio/0,,10301~791285,00.html |title=The sevens wonder of the world |publisher=nobok.co.uk |access-date=21 March 2007 |archive-date=16 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716054934/http://www.nobok.co.uk/page/RugbyBio/0,,10301~791285,00.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Before the tournament Serevi made a promise to Fiji to "bring back the Melrose Cup."<ref name="BringMelrose">{{Cite news |title=Serevi vows to recover World Cup Sevens crown |agency=Reuters|date=22 March 1997}}</ref> In his first three games of the tournament Serevi scored 59 points to help confirm Fiji as favourites for the title.<ref name="1997FirstDay">{{Cite news |title=Fiji's Serevi sets Sevens on fire&nbsp;... |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=22 March 1997}}</ref> Fiji did not concede a point until their semi-final, their sixth game of the tournament, and eventually faced South Africa in the final.<ref name="1997Defence">{{Cite news |title=Defence, not Serevi, the secret to Fiji glory |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=23 March 1997}}</ref> South Africa scored two tries, before Fiji responded with four tries of their own; the final score was 24–21 to Fiji.<ref name="HK1997">{{Cite news |title=Fiji win Sevens. |work=The Australian |page=27 |date=24 March 1997}}</ref> Serevi was the tournament's top scorer with 117 points – including nine tries.<ref name="Nobok" /><ref name="HK1997" /> He also played for Fiji in the Japan and France sevens; the latter won by Fiji.<ref name="France97">{{Cite news |title=Spirits boosted |work=Evening Standard|location=London |page=20 |date=3 June 1997}}</ref>

After winning the Fiji Sevens Tournament with Fiji in March 1998, Serevi led his country at Hong Kong.<ref name="Fiji1998">{{Cite news |title=Fiji, New Zealand lay rival claims to Hong Kong crown |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=26 March 1998 |last=Foley |first=Chris}}</ref> Despite a 21–21 draw against [[Argentina national rugby sevens team|Argentina]] in pool play – where Serevi scored one try and set up two – Fiji qualified for the tournament's quarter-finals.<ref name="Arg1998">{{Cite news |title=Argentina give Fiji a fright |agency=Reuters|date=28 March 1998 |last=Crean |first=John}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HK1998">{{Cite news |title=Fiji take eighth Hong Kong sevens title. |agency=Reuters|last=Crean |first=John |date=29 March 1998}}</ref> Serevi was named player of the tournament.<ref name="Nobok" /> 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.<ref name="KL1998">{{Cite news |title=Kiwis recover pride with Sevens gold. |agency=Reuters|last=Williams |first=Brian |date=15 September 1998}}</ref>

=== 1999–04 ===
Serevi started 1999 by winning the Air Pacific Sevens in Fiji; they defeated Australian Fijians 35–7.<ref name="Fiji1999">{{Cite news |title=Serevi leads Fijian assault |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=United Kingdom |page=80 |date=24 March 1999}}</ref> Following this Serevi captained Fiji to the Hong Kong Sevens, his eleventh tournament.<ref name="11thHK">{{Cite news |title=Veteran Serevi leads Fiji off to Sevens |agency=Reuters |date=23 March 2006 |last=Duxbury |first=Jeremy}}</ref> Fiji defeated [[Tonga national rugby sevens team|Tonga]] – whose defeat included a try set up by a 40-metre one handed pass from Serevi – and then [[Scotland national rugby sevens team|Scotland]].<ref name="HKQ1999">{{Cite news |title=Serevi magic leads favourites Fiji into Hong Kong quarters |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=27 March 1999}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HK1999">{{Cite news |title=Serevi sorcery gives Fiji ninth Hong Kong title |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=28 March 1999}}</ref>

In 1999 the inaugural International Rugby Board Sevens series was held starting with the [[Dubai Sevens|Dubai tournament]].<ref name="Dubai1999">{{cite web|url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/dubai/dubai_1999.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010126004900/http://teivovo.com/intl_sevens/dubai/dubai_1999.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2001 |title=IRB World Sevens Series – Dubai |access-date=23 March 2007 |publisher=teivovo.com }}</ref> Serevi missed this leg, but finished the year by leading Fiji to victory in the [[South Africa Sevens]] in Stellenbosch.<ref name="Stellenbosch99">{{Cite news |title=Double give Fiji edge over Kiwis |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=United Kingdom |page=46 |date=13 December 1999}}</ref> 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.<ref name="MarDelPlata">{{Cite news |title=Waisale Serevi |work=The Times |location=United Kingdom |date=15 January 2000 |page=43}}</ref> He then led Fiji in their first sevens tournament in New Zealand, at [[Wellington Sevens|Wellington]]. Fiji again defeated New Zealand in a tournament final, this time 24–14. Serevi was the tournaments top points scorer (84 points).<ref name="Wellington2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/wellington/wellington_1999.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010126151000/http://teivovo.com/intl_sevens/wellington/wellington_1999.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2001 |title=IRB World Sevens Series – Wellington |access-date=25 March 2007 |publisher=teivovo.com }}</ref> Serevi also played in the Fiji Sevens tournament, where Fiji lost to New Zealand 31–5 in the final.<ref name="Fiji2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/fiji/fiji_2000.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010126025700/http://teivovo.com/intl_sevens/fiji/fiji_2000.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2001 |title=IRB World Sevens Series – Fiji |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=25 March 2007 }}</ref> He then led Fiji to victory in the Brisbane leg of the series.<ref name="Brisbane2000a">{{Cite news |title=Sevens Heaven in Brisbane Means A Little Hell For Ella's Australians |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |page=25 |date=22 February 2000 |last=Zavos |first=Spiros}}</ref> Fiji made the final after defeating South Africa in their semi-final;<ref name="Brisbane2000b">{{cite web|url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/brisbane/brisbane_2000.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010125110300/http://teivovo.com/intl_sevens/brisbane/brisbane_2000.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 January 2001 |title=IRB World Sevens Series – Brisbane |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=25 March 2007 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="Brisbane2000b" /> 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.<ref name="Teivovo" /><ref name="Brisbane2000a" /> 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.<ref name="HK2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/hong_kong/hongkong_2000.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010126041600/http://teivovo.com/intl_sevens/hong_kong/hongkong_2000.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2001 |title=Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong 7s 24–26&nbsp;March 2000 |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=25 March 2007 }}</ref> Serevi's last tournament of the series was in Japan where he led Fiji to victory.<ref name="Japan2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/japan/japan_2000.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010126051600/http://teivovo.com/intl_sevens/japan/japan_2000.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2001 |title=Japan Sevens 2000 1–2&nbsp;April 2000 |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=25 March 2007 }}</ref>

Serevi started 2001 by leading Fiji in the [[2001 Rugby World Cup Sevens]] in Argentina.<ref name="Teivovo" /> Fiji were defeated by Australia in their semi-final; the Australians went on to lose to New Zealand in the final.<ref name="2001RWCS">{{Cite news |title=New Zealand defeats Australia to win Rugby World Cup Sevens championship |agency=Associated Press |date=29 January 2001 |last=Weil |first=Eric}}</ref> In the 2000–01 IRB Sevens World Series, he played in only the [[London Sevens|London]] and Wales legs.<ref name="Teivovo" /><ref name="Wales2001">{{Cite news|url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/wales/20010602_day_two_wrap.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010617180116/http://teivovo.com/intl_sevens/wales/20010602_day_two_wrap.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 June 2001 |title=Kiwis triumph in Wales, Fiji win Plate |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=25 March 2007 |date=3 June 2001 }}</ref> 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.<ref name="2001HK">{{Cite news |title=Fiji confident despite absence of Serevi |agency=Associated Press |date=29 March 2001 |first=Helen |last=Luk}}</ref> Serevi's last sevens tournament for the year was the World Games in [[Akita, Akita|Akita]], Japan. As captain, he led Fiji to the Gold medal after defeating Australia 35–19 in the final.<ref name="Teivovo" /><ref name="WG2001">{{Cite news |title=Canadian rugby sevens squad finishes sixth at World Games |agency=The Canadian Press |date=27 August 2001}}</ref>

The first tournament of 2002 for Serevi was in [[Chile]].<ref name="Teivovo" /> 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.<ref name="Chile2002">{{Cite news |title=NZ, Fiji in ugly sevens brawl |publisher=The Dominion (Wellington) |date=7 January 2002 |page=1}}</ref> Serevi and Fiji rebounded the following week to win the tournament at Mar del Plata, [[Buenos Aires]].<ref name="Argentina2002">{{Cite news |title=Fiji win in Argentina Sevens, Kiwis eliminated in semifinal |publisher=New Zealand Press Association |date=13 January 2002}}</ref> 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.<ref name="1000HKpoints">{{cite news |title=Serevi continues to excel despite advancing years |newspaper=South Wales Evening Post |date=30 March 2002 |last=Taylor |first=Stuart}}</ref> Fiji defeated New Zealand in their semi-final and faced England in the final. England defeated Fiji 33–20 in the final.<ref name="HK2002">{{Cite news |title=England upsets Fiji 33–20 in final of Hong Kong Rugby Sevens |agency=Associated Press |date=25 March 2002}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ManchesterSemi">{{Cite news |title=Games get their Magnificent sevens final |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=4 August 2002}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ManchesterFinal">{{Cite news |title=If only we had seven says Serevi |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=5 August 2002 |last=Mulvey |first=Paul}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HKCon2003">{{Cite news |title=Laulau clears the air on Serevi |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=UK |date=3 April 2003 |page=48}}</ref> 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.<ref name="ClubCom2003">{{Cite news |title=Serevi out of Fiji squad for HK Sevens due to French commitments |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=14 March 2003}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Laulau2004">{{Cite news |title=Laulau changes tune over Serevi |work=Fiji Times |date=4 January 2004 |last=Prasad |first=Jeetendra |page=32}}</ref> After being named in the training squad, Serevi was not selected for the squad for the Wellington or [[USA Sevens|Los Angeles]] legs of the IRB World Sevens Series.<ref name="Wellington2004">{{Cite news |title=Naqelevuki to lead 7s team |work=Fiji Times |date=21 January 2004 |first=Indra |last=Singh |page=48}}</ref> He then missed selection for the team to play in Hong Kong for the second year in a row.<ref name="HK2004">{{Cite news |title=Omission points to end for Serevi |work=South China Morning Post |location=Hong Kong |date=15 March 2004 |last=Sallay |first=Alvin |page=14}}</ref> Pauliasi Tabulutu replaced Laulau as Fiji's coach and recalled Serevi to play in the Bordeaux Sevens.<ref name="Bordeaux2004">{{Cite news |title=Serevi named in Fiji line-up |work=Fiji Times |date=6 May 2004 |last=Singh |first=Zanzeer |page=80}}</ref> Serevi then played in the London leg of the Sevens Series – his last leg of the year.<ref name="Teivovo" /><ref name="London2004">{{Cite news |title=Fijians face South Africa |work=Fiji Times |date=7 June 2004 |last=Singh |first=Indra |page=35}}</ref>

=== 2005–07: player-coach ===
Serevi started the year by leading the Lomaiviti Barbarians in the Pacific 7s in [[Auckland]], New Zealand.<ref name="Pacific05">{{Cite news |title=Serevi and Co win Plate final |work=Fiji Times |date=12 January 2005 |page=47}}</ref> 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".<ref name="Marist7s05">{{Cite news |title=Maestro answers Fiji's call for duty |work=Fiji Times |date=23 February 2005 |last=Singh |first=Zanzeer |page=44}}</ref> After being selected by coach [[Wayne Pivac]] for the Fiji squad, Serevi was named as captain.<ref name="HKSquad05">{{Cite news |title=Fiji sevens coach Wayne Pivac recalls legend Waisale Serevi for the World Cup in Hong Kong in a few weeks |publisher=IRN News |date=1 March 2005 |last=Alderson |first=Andrew}}</ref><ref name="HKCaptain05">{{Cite news |title=Serevi to lead Fiji at Sevens World Cup |publisher=New Zealand Press Association |date=17 March 2005}}</ref>

Led by Serevi, Fiji qualified for the quarter-finals of the Sevens World Cup at Hong Kong, with pool victories over Australia, [[Canada national rugby sevens team|Canada]], Hong Kong, [[Japan national rugby sevens team|Japan]] and [[Portugal national rugby sevens team|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."<ref name="HKPool05">{{Cite news |title=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 |work=South China Morning Post |location=Hong Kong |date=20 March 2005 |last=Careem |first=Nazvi |page=5}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Melrose05">{{Cite news |title=Led by Serevi, Fiji beats New Zealand for second World Cup Sevens title |agency=Associated Press |date=21 March 2005 |last=Lee |first=Min}}</ref> 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.<ref name="WorldCupRecord">{{Cite news |title=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 |agency=Associated Press |date=21 March 2005}}</ref>

A national holiday – 24 March 2005 – was declared in Fiji for the teams return, and the country's Prime Minister [[Laisenia Qarase]] declared:<ref name="Holiday05">{{Cite news |title=Fiji to declare public holiday to celebrate Hong Kong win |publisher=PACNEWS |date=21 March 2005}}</ref>
{{blockquote|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,<ref name="Coach05">{{Cite news |title=Serevi accepts 7s job |work=Fiji Times |date=31 March 2005 |last=Bolaitamana |first=Maciu |page=40}}</ref> and soon after he returned to his village in Qarani to show its people the Melrose Cup.<ref name="ParadeMelrose">{{Cite news |title=Islands greet Melrose Cup |work=Fiji Times |date=31 March 2005 |page=38}}</ref>

Serevi's first tournament as coach was the Singapore leg of the IRB Sevens Series; Fiji was defeated by England in their semi-final.<ref name="Singapore05">{{Cite news |title=Serevi says sorry for sevens loss |work=Fiji Times |date=18 April 2005 |last=Niumataiwalu |first=Ana |page=32}}</ref> The last two legs of the 2004–05 IRB Sevens Series were played in London and [[Paris Sevens|Paris]]. There he coached Fiji to the Plate victory, and a final loss respectively.<ref name="London05">{{cite news |title=Canada tops Kenya in Shield final |newspaper=Calgary Herald |date=6 June 2005 |page=E7}}</ref><ref name="Paris05">{{Cite news |title=France win Paris leg of IRB Sevens |agency=Australian Associated Press |date=12 June 2005}}</ref> His first major trophy as coach came when Fiji won gold in the [[2005 World Games]] in Germany.<ref name="WG2005">{{Cite news |title=Maestro plans next move |work=Fiji Times |date=29 July 2005 |last=Singh |first=Zanzeer |page=56}}</ref>

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.<ref name="IRBSeries0506">{{cite web |url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/news/2006/2005-06_scoreboard.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214215749/http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/news/2006/2005-06_scoreboard.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 December 2006 |title=2005–06 IRB WORLD 7s Series Scoreboard |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=8 April 2007}}</ref> The team also made the final of the Dubai, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong legs of the series.<ref name="IRBSeries0506" /> Fiji won the Series – becoming the first team other than New Zealand to do so.<ref name="London06">{{Cite news |url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/london/2006/0603_london_results.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929090516/http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/london/2006/0603_london_results.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 September 2007 |title=IRB 7s – London 2006 |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=8 April 2007}}</ref> Following the series win Prime Minister Qarase said of Serevi:<ref name="Qarase06">{{Cite news |title=Emotional Qarase thanks Serevi |work=Fiji Times |date=13 June 2006 |page=3}}</ref>
{{blockquote|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''.<ref name="Song06">{{Cite news |title=Special song for a special man |work=Fiji Times |date=13 June 2006 |page=3}}</ref>

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.<ref name="Melbourne06">{{Cite news |title=Elusive gold |work=Fiji Times |date=18 March 2006 |page=80}}</ref> 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."<ref name="Sorry06">{{Cite news |title=Serevi says sorry, names team to HK |work=Fiji Times |date=23 March 2006 |page=46}}</ref> After losing to England, Fiji recovered to defeat Australia 24–17 in the play-off for bronze.<ref name="Melbourne06" />

In December 2006 Serevi was offered a coaching position with the [[Falcons (rugby team)|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.<ref name="SAjob">{{Cite news |title=Stars unhappy |work=Fiji Times |date=1 January 2007 |last=Singh |first=Zanzeer |page=24}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.fijivillage.com/artman/publish/article_35432.shtml |title=Rajendra Chaudry accepts board appointment |publisher=fijivillage.com |access-date=4 March 2007 |date=27 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070509075729/http://www.fijivillage.com/artman/publish/article_35432.shtml |archive-date=9 May 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Serevi coached Fiji to the final of the first Sevens Series leg of 2007 in [[2007 Wellington Sevens|Wellington]], where they lost to Samoa 17–14 in the final.<ref name="Wellington2007">{{Cite news|url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/wellington/2007/0203_welly7s_day2.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070410025005/http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/wellington/2007/0203_welly7s_day2.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 April 2007 |title=Samoa surprise Fiji in Wellington final |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=31 May 2007 }}</ref> The team then rebounded when they defeated Samoa to win the [[2007 USA Sevens|San Diego]] leg. Fiji's next tournament was [[2007 Hong Kong Sevens|Hong Kong]] where Serevi made a world record 18th appearance.<ref name="18th">{{Cite news |title=One of a kind |work=Fiji Times |date=28 March 2007 |page=6}}</ref> 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.<ref name="HK2007">{{Cite news |url=http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/hong_kong/2007/0401_hk_results.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929095618/http://www.teivovo.com/intl_sevens/hong_kong/2007/0401_hk_results.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 September 2007 |title=Samoa claim Hong Kong glory |date=1 April 2007 |publisher=teivovo.com |access-date=31 May 2007}}</ref> Fiji won the following tournament at [[2007 Adelaide Sevens|Adelaide]], but only after a converted try by Serevi forcing extra time in their quarter final with South Africa.<ref name="Adelaide2007">{{Cite news |title=Fiji wins Adelaide sevens tournament |agency=Australian Associated Press |last=Brettig |first=Daniel |date=8 April 2007}}</ref>

Serevi then coached Fiji to the final of the [[2007 London Sevens|London]] leg, where they were defeated by New Zealand. The final leg of the 2006–07 Series was in [[2007 Edinburgh Sevens|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.<ref name="WalesLoss07">{{cite web |url=http://www.fijitimes.com.fj/story.aspx?id=63921 |title=Sevens shock: Fiji loses series to NZ |work=Fiji Times |access-date=4 June 2007 |date=4 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928024636/http://www.fijitimes.com.fj/story.aspx?id=63921 |archive-date=28 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> New Zealand then won the tournament, making them the series champions after accumulating 130 points to Fiji's 128.<ref name="WalesLoss07" /> On 6 July 2007, Serevi announced his resignation as coach of the national sevens team.<ref name="SereviResigns">{{cite web |url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=65940 |title=Serevi quits |work=Fiji Times |access-date=7 June 2007 |date=7 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930180337/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=65940 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Serevi is back as 7s coach: FRU |date=24 July 2008 |url=http://www.fijilive.com/sports/rugby/news/2008/07/24/4178.Fijilive}}</ref> At the time of the announcement, Serevi was in England receiving an honorary sports degree from [[Leeds Metropolitan University]].<ref>{{Cite news |work=The Fiji Times |title=Dr Serevi |date=24 July 2008 |url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=95959 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322004951/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=95959 |archive-date=22 March 2012 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |title=FRU buckles under pressure |author=Rodney Duthie |date=26 July 2008 |work=The Fiji Times |url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=96196 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120905091524/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?ref=archive&id=96196 |archive-date=5 September 2012 }}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Serevi sacked as Fiji Sevens turmoil continues |publisher=Yahoo!Xtra Sport |author=Neil Reid |date=29 January 2009 |url=http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/5288174/serevi-sacked-fiji-sevens-turmoil-continues |access-date=7 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723100124/http://nz.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/5288174/serevi-sacked-fiji-sevens-turmoil-continues/ |archive-date=23 July 2012 }}</ref>

In August 2009, the [[Rugby union in Papua New Guinea|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Serevi lands Papua New Guinea role |access-date=13 June 2013 |date=18 August 2009 |publisher=Ultimate Rugby Sevens |url=http://ur7s.com/news/422/serevi_lands_papua_new_guinea_role |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224013541/http://ur7s.com/news/422/serevi_lands_papua_new_guinea_role |archive-date=24 February 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Serevi axed |work=The Fiji Times |date=31 March 2010 |url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=143419 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825200401/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=143419 |archive-date=25 August 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/7571 |title=Sapias speaks out on Serevi saga |first=Keith |last=Puaria |publisher=The National |location=Papua New Guinea}}</ref>

===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,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fijisun.com.fj/2011/02/15/serevi-rugby-nation-will-help-rugby/|title='Serevi Rugby Nation' will help rugby|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-11}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2014801660_rugby18.html |work=The Seattle Times |first=Meri-Jo |last=Borzilleri |title=Seattle's Waisale Serevi: New face of American rugby |date=17 April 2011 |access-date=7 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823070347/http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2014801660_rugby18.html |archive-date=23 August 2011 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://ur7s.com/news/2710/fiji_7s_welcome_back_waisale_serevi_to_the_management_team_for_london_and_rugby_world_cup |title=Fiji 7s welcome back Waisale Serevi to the management team for London and Rugby World Cup |work=Ultimate Rugby Sevens |access-date=8 June 2013 |date=10 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615015923/http://ur7s.com/news/2710/fiji_7s_welcome_back_waisale_serevi_to_the_management_team_for_london_and_rugby_world_cup |archive-date=15 June 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

During his sevens career, Serevi made numerous guest appearances around the world including the 3 Rifles (army) sevens tournament at Dreghorn military barracks, Edinburgh. During this tournament, Serevi was famously red carded and sent to the bench due to violent conduct after clothes lining Edinburgh Northern RFC player Rory "Pain Train" Legge, who attempted an audacious chip and run.

== 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).<ref name="SlickSerevi" /><ref name="SereviJunior">{{Cite news |title=Serevi ponders son's future |work=Sunday Mail|date=25 July 2004 |last=Dhaliwal |first=S. S. |page=74}}</ref> His wife previously worked for the [[Republic of Fiji Military Forces|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.<ref name="FijiTimes05" /> He is a committed Christian, and along with his family attends Church regularly.<ref name="FamilyBackbone">{{Cite news |title=Wife and family support the backbone of my success |work=Fiji Times |date=12 March 2005 |last=Serevi |first=Waisale |page=88}}</ref> On his boots, strapping, and jersey for every match Serevi has the words "[[Philippians 4|Philippians 4:13]]" written. It is a reference to the biblical quote "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".<ref name="AnotherTrophy">{{Cite news |title=Another trophy for the 7s maestro |work=Fiji Times |date=29 May 2005 |last=Rabuku |first=Otilly |page=31}}</ref>

Serevi learned Japanese while in Japan, and also taught English whilst there.<ref name="SevensSpecialist" /> Despite living in France for several years he did not learn French, and required an interpreter for interviews.<ref name="NoFrench">{{cite web |url=http://www.umc-europe.org/messager/0301/0301waisale.html |title=Interview – Waisale Serevi |publisher=umc-europe.org |language=fr |access-date=16 April 2007 |last=lame |first=René |year=2001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927230006/http://www.umc-europe.org/messager/0301/0301waisale.html |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Serevi's interests include listening to music, and watching movies.<ref name="Teivovo" /><ref name="Mel06Profile">{{cite web |url=http://melbourne2006.com.au/Participants/Participants?ID=109661 |work=Commonwealth Games Bio |title=SEREVI Waisale |publisher=melbourne2006.com.au |access-date=5 March 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060913023357/http://melbourne2006.com.au/Participants/Participants?ID=109661 |archive-date=13 September 2006 }}</ref> Apart from rugby, he also likes to play [[touch rugby]] and [[volleyball]].<ref name="Mel06Profile" /> Other interests include meeting people, and travelling the world.<ref name="Mel06Profile" />

On 18 May 2007, Serevi was appointed a Special Inspector with the [[Law enforcement in Fiji|Fiji Police Force]] by the acting Commissioner of Police Romanu Tikotikoca.<ref name="SpecialInspector">{{Cite news |url=http://www.fijitimes.com.fj/story.aspx?id=62869 |title=Waisale Serevi appointed police inspector |work=Fiji Times |date=18 May 2007 |access-date=4 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928024642/http://www.fijitimes.com.fj/story.aspx?id=62869 |archive-date=28 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The appointment is in youth and community policing. Serevi will not be a regular officer, but will be paid for the hours he works.<ref name="PoliceJob">{{Cite news |url=http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=62977 |title=Officers welcome Serevi: Chief |work=Fiji Times |date=20 May 2007 |access-date=4 June 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930165216/http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=62977 |archive-date=30 September 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

== 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.<ref name="FijiTimes05" /><ref name="FASNOCprofile">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3653-0-0-0&sID=35815&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=600326&sectionID=35815 |title=2005 Waisale Tikoisolomone Serevi – Rugby Union |publisher=Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee |date=6 September 2006 |access-date=23 March 2007 |archive-date=5 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070505155656/http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-3653-0-0-0&sID=35815&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=600326&sectionID=35815 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="FASNOC">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3653-0-0-0&sID=35815 |title=Fiji Sports Hall of Fame |publisher=Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee |access-date=16 April 2007 |archive-date=2 February 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130202222944/http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?c=1-3653-0-0-0&sID=35815 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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.<ref name="IRBHallofFame">{{cite press release|url=http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid=2065761.html |access-date=8 June 2013 |title=Sevens great Serevi enters IRB Hall of Fame |publisher=International Rugby Board |date=23 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628151226/http://www.irb.com/history/halloffame/newsid%3D2065761.html |archive-date=28 June 2013 }}</ref> At the time of Serevi's induction, Chairman [[Bernard Lapasset]] said:<ref name="IRBHallofFame" />
{{Blockquote|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.}}

In 2024, Serevi was an inaugural inductee into the [[Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/513208/pasifika-hall-of-fame-induction-held-in-auckland |title=Pasifika Hall of Fame induction held in Auckland |date=2 April 2024 |first=Iliesa |last=Tora |work=[[RNZ News]] |access-date=11 April 2024}}</ref>

=== XVs ===
* '''Rugby World Cup tournaments''': 1991, 1999, 2003{{refn|Note Fiji did not qualify for the 1995 tournament.|group=n}}
* '''Barbarians matches''', versus: Scotland (2002), Leicester (2002 and 2003), London Irish (2003)
* '''World XV matches''', versus: Leicester (1996 and 1997)

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
| colspan=10 | '''Test statistics'''<ref name="Teivovo" />
|-
! Team !! Played !! Won !! Drawn !! Lost !! [[Try (rugby)|Tries]] !! [[Try (rugby)|Conversions]] !! [[Penalty (rugby)|Penalties]] !! [[Drop kick#Rugby|Drop goals]] !! Points total
|-
! [[Argentina national rugby union team|Argentina]]
| 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2
|-
! [[Australia national rugby union team|Australia]]
| 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 2 || 0 || 15
|-
! [[Belgium national rugby union team|Belgium]]
| 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 8
|-
! [[Canada national rugby union team|Canada]]
| 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 3
|-
! [[Chile national rugby union team|Chile]]
| 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 4
|-
! [[England national rugby union team|England]]
| 2 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 11
|-
! [[France national rugby union team|France]]
| 4 || 0 || 0 || 4 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[Ireland national rugby union team|Ireland]]
| 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 2
|-
! [[Italy national rugby union team|Italy]]
| 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 15
|-
! [[Japan national rugby union team|Japan]]
| 2 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 2 || 4 || 1 || 0 || 19
|-
! [[Namibia national rugby union team|Namibia]]
| 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 8 || 2 || 0 || 22
|-
! [[Samoa national rugby union team|Samoa]]
| 4 || 1 || 0 || 3 || 1 || 3 || 3 || 0 || 20
|-
! [[Scotland national rugby union team|Scotland]]
| 4 || 1 || 0 || 3 || 0 || 5 || 4 || 0 || 22
|-
! [[South Africa national rugby union team|South Africa]]
| 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0
|-
! [[Spain national rugby union team|Spain]]
| 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 2 || 0 || 0 || 9
|-
! [[Tonga national rugby union team|Tonga]]
| 6 || 3 || 0 || 3 || 0 || 3 || 7 || 1 || 30
|-
! [[Uruguay national rugby union team|Uruguay]]
| 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 4 || 2 || 0 || 19
|-
! [[United States national rugby union team|US]]
| 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 3
|-
! [[Wales national rugby union team|Wales]]
| 1 || 0 || 0 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 7
|-
! '''Total'''
| '''37''' || '''15''' || '''0''' || '''22''' || '''11''' || '''38''' || '''25''' || '''3''' || '''211'''
|}

=== Rugby sevens ===
[[File:Serevipass.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Waisale Serevi during the 2007 Wellington Sevens|alt=Serevi on one knee ready to take a pass]]

==== 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.<ref name="RWCpoints">{{cite web|url=http://www.rwcsevens.com/Tournament+Central/ |title=Tournament Central |publisher=rwcsevens.com |access-date=13 April 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204034728/http://www.rwcsevens.com/Tournament%2BCentral/ |archive-date=4 February 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> 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).<ref name="IRBSeriesPoints">{{cite web |url=http://www.irbsevens.com/statistics/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041109030020/http://www.irbsevens.com/Statistics/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=9 November 2004 |publisher=irbsevens.com |title=IRB Sevens Player Statistics |access-date=4 June 2007}}</ref> The list excludes Hong Kong legs, these are listed separately below. Those years in bold indicate Fiji won the tournament.

* [[Adelaide Sevens|Adelaide]] : [[2007 Adelaide Sevens|2007]]
* '''Argentina''' : '''2002'''
* '''Bordeaux''' : 2004, 2005
* '''Brisbane''' : '''2000''', 2002
* '''Chile''' : 2002
* '''China''' : 2002
* [[Dubai Sevens|Dubai]] : 2005, 2006
* [[Edinburgh Sevens|Edinburgh]] : [[2007 Edinburgh Sevens|2007]]
* '''Fiji''' : 1999, 2000
* '''Japan''' : '''2000'''
* [[South Africa Sevens|George]] : '''1999''', '''2005''', 2006
* [[London Sevens|London]] : 2001, 2004, 2005, '''2006''', 2007
* [[Paris Sevens|Paris]] : 2006
* '''Wales''' : 2001
* [[Standard Chartered Sevens Singapore|Singapore]] : '''2006'''
* [[Wellington Sevens|Wellington]] : '''2000''', 2002, '''2006''', 2007
* [[USA Sevens|US]] : 2006, [[2007 USA Sevens|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.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! 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===
{{Reflist|group=n}}

===References===
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.waisaleserevi.com/ Official Website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806212026/http://waisaleserevi.com/ |date=6 August 2018 }}
* {{Cite web |url=http://ur7s.com/news/216/simply_serevi |title="Simply Serevi" – A career review on UR7s.com |access-date=17 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821022512/http://ur7s.com/news/216/simply_serevi |archive-date=21 August 2009 |url-status=dead }}

{{Fiji Squad 1991 Rugby World Cup}}
{{Fiji Squad 1999 World Cup}}
{{Fiji Squad 2003 World Cup}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Serevi, Waisale}}
[[Category:1968 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Fijian rugby union players]]
[[Category:Rugby union fly-halves]]
[[Category:Leicester Tigers players]]
[[Category:Fiji international rugby union players]]
[[Category:Fiji international rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:Male rugby sevens players]]
[[Category:World Rugby Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:Fijian expatriate rugby union players in England]]
[[Category:Fijian expatriate rugby union players in France]]
[[Category:Fijian expatriate rugby union players in Japan]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games rugby sevens players for Fiji]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists for Fiji]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games bronze medallists for Fiji]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games silver medallists in rugby sevens]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Games bronze medallists in rugby sevens]]
[[Category:Rugby sevens players at the 1998 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Rugby sevens players at the 2002 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Rugby sevens players at the 2006 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Fijian rugby union coaches]]
[[Category:Rugby union players from Suva]]
[[Category:People educated at Lelean Memorial School]]
[[Category:I-Taukei Fijian people]]
[[Category:Stade Bordelais players]]
[[Category:Stade Montois Rugby players]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 1998 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 2002 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:Medallists at the 2006 Commonwealth Games]]
[[Category:1991 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:1999 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:2003 Rugby World Cup players]]
[[Category:World Games gold medalists for Fiji]]
[[Category:World Games medalists in rugby sevens]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2001 World Games]]
[[Category:Medalists at the 2005 World Games]]