Fijian superstar switches to League
Sun, 24 Aug 2008 22:36
Fijian Rugby Union star Waisale Serevi, widely considered to be one of the greatest Sevens players of all time, has agreed to play for Fiji United Kingdom in Rugby League's newest tournament - the Carnegie Floodlit Nines, taking place at Headingley Carnegie Stadium on Wednesday, August 27.
Serevi, the most decorated Fijian in rugby, has represented his country 39 times between 1989 and 2003 and scored 376 points. He represented Fiji in the 1991, 1999, and 2003 Rugby Union World Cups. He has also coached Fiji's national Sevens team in the International Rugby Board (IRB) World Sevens Series.
Commenting on the capture of Serevi, Fiji UK Team Manager Mike Ratu, said: "To capture Fiji's greatest ever Rugby player is a major accomplishment for us. He is Fiji's biggest sporting personality and the fact that he has agreed to play for us is a dream come true for our players.
"I would like to personally thank Leeds Metropolitan University, who have made it possible for Serevi to play in the tournament.
"The players are very excited about the prospect of playing alongside the great man and it has been a major confidence boost for us with just a week to go to the tournament."
Serevi is equally excited about playing in the inaugural tournament and pitting his wits against some of Super League's big name players.
"Rugby League is a fantastic sport and I am delighted to be supporting Leeds Met by playing in the Carnegie Floodlit Nines at Headingley Carnegie..
"I like to take on new challenges and to play for Fiji UK will be a good experience. Nines rugby is very exciting and I am sure the fans will be in for a real treat."
The former Leicester Tigers flyhalf will arrive in Leeds on Tuesday – the day before the tournament – and will also be an official guest of Leeds Met at Rugby League's showpiece event the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final on Saturday, August 30 at Wembley Stadium.
"I am looking forward to watching the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at the famous Wembley Stadium," added Serevi.
"The Carnegie Challenge Cup Final is regarded as Rugby League's major event. To be an official guest of Leeds Met on this special day in London, watching two big names in Rugby League, will be a great honour for me."
In addition to his outstanding career as a player, Serevi has also excelled in his coaching career, leading Fiji to victory in the IRB Sevens World Series in 2006, the first time in its history that the New Zealand team was beaten in the series.
Earlier this year, Serevi was awarded a sports science honorary doctorate by Leeds Met, building on the University's commitment to sporting excellence.
With thanks to Hull Kingston Rovers
