Heartbreaking news:Fiji and the Rugby World in Mourning as Waisale Serevi…
Suva, Fiji – The world of rugby is in deep mourning today following the sudden and tragic passing of Fijian rugby legend Waisale Serevi. Widely regarded as the greatest sevens player of all time, Serevi died on May 23, leaving behind an unmatched legacy that transcended the sport and touched countless lives around the globe. He was 56.
Known affectionately as the “King of Sevens,” Serevi’s influence on the game was profound. With his dazzling footwork, masterful vision, and unshakable humility, he transformed rugby sevens into a global spectacle and inspired a generation of players from Fiji and beyond. His career spanned decades, during which he represented Fiji with distinction in both sevens and fifteens formats, and later served as a coach and ambassador for the sport.
News of his death has sent shockwaves throughout the Pacific and the international rugby community. In Fiji, a nation where rugby is more than a game, the loss of Serevi feels deeply personal. Flags have been lowered, and fans have gathered at his former training grounds and local churches to light candles and pay tribute to their national hero.
Fiji Rugby Union issued a statement calling Serevi “a towering figure in our history, whose passion for the game was only surpassed by his love for his country.” World Rugby chairman [Insert Name] added, “Waisale was not only a once-in-a-lifetime talent but also a man of profound character and grace. His contribution to rugby can never be measured by statistics alone — he changed the soul of the sport.”
Serevi’s achievements on the field were legendary: multiple Hong Kong Sevens titles, two Rugby World Cup Sevens victories, and an induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013. But it was his humility, generosity, and commitment to mentoring young players that cemented his status as a national treasure and global icon.
He is survived by his wife, and children, who have asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of their beloved husband and father.
Funeral arrangements will be announced in the coming days, and plans are already underway for a national day of mourning in Fiji.
Today, the rugby world weeps. The King of Sevens has passed, but his spirit, like his sidestep, will never be forgotten.
About The Author
