Yesteryears

Serevi was born in the village of Qarani, the third of five children, on the island of Gau on 20 May 1968. He was raised by staunch Christian parents who were both heavily involved in the Church.  Serevi’s inspiration to play rugby stemmed from his childhood, when Fiji defeated the British Lions in 1977. He missed watching the match, and decided to take up rugby after seeing how happy the victory made the people of Fiji.

His family moved twice when he was a child; the second time settling in Suva where Serevi started secondary school.[6] There he attended Lelean Memorial School. His schooling was unsuccessful however, and he failed his Fiji Junior Certificate Examination (tenth year) in 1984. Serevi’s love for rugby was to blame, and according to him “I played too much and didn’t spend enough time studying.”

After failing his examinations Serevi quit school and continued to play for his local club Rewa. 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. 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. Serevi’s Nabua team dominated Fiji’s sevens tournaments. Brothers Navi and Meli Serevi also played rugby with Waisale during his rugby years at Nabua and Nasinu Rugby Club.

Personal life

Serevi has a wife, Karalaini, whom he married in 1993. They have three children: daughters Una and Asinate, and son Waisale Junior. His wife works for the Fijian Defence Force, and Serevi spent large parts of his career away from his family. When he was apart from them when in Japan between 1992 and 1997, although his family joined him in France between 1999 and 2004. He is a committed Christian, and along with his family attends Church regularly.[107] On his boots, strapping, and jersey for every match Serevi has the words “Philippians 4:13″ written. It is a reference to the biblical quote “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.

Serevi learned Japanese while in Japan, and also taught English whilst there. Serevi’s interests include listening to music, and watching movies. Apart from rugby, he also likes to play touch rugby and volleyball. Other interests include meeting people, and traveling the world.

On 18 May 2007, Serevi was appointed a Special Inspector with the Fiji Police Force by the acting Commissioner of Police Romanu Tikotikoca. The appointment is in youth and community policing.  Serevi will not be a regular officer, but will be paid for the hours he works.