Serevi in Hall of Fame
Waisale Serevi, 'The King of Sevens', is the latest individual to be inducted into the IRB Hall of Fame.
Fittingly, Fiji's most famous player was bestowed with the honour at the sixth round of the IRB Sevens World Series, the Hong Kong Sevens, a tournament he has graced many times and with unrivalled success throughout his illustrious career.
IRB Chairman Bernard Lapasset made the presentation to Serevi ahead of his country's match against Canada on Saturday.
"Serevi is one of Rugby's true greats," said Lapasset.
"He was an exceptional player who has excelled in both Sevens and Fifteens and achieved all that there is to achieve in Rugby Sevens with his beloved Fiji, winning [the XY-man] World Cup Seven and Sevens World Series titles, while also winning the hearts of fans around the world with his exciting and entertaining style of play.
"He was a gentleman in victory and defeat and played his rugby with a smile, promoting Rugby's character-building values of passion, respect, discipline, solidarity and integrity."
"There is no doubt that his exploits on and off the field firmly established Pacific Island Rugby on the global Rugby map, while also playing a significant part in the phenomenal rise in popularity of Rugby Sevens, which ultimately played a significant role in Rugby Sevens becoming an Olympic Sport."
"I am delighted to be inducting Serevi into the IRB Hall of Fame in the Fjji Rugby Union's centenary year."
