Rugby 'is a calling', says former Fiji sevens legend at Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame

The influence of Pasifika rugby players is being felt across the globe, with more players expected to feature in the national teams of their adopted countries in the oval ball game.

Rugby sevens legend and 2024 Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame (PRHF) inductee Waisale Serevi said this was phenomenal for Pacific Islands rugby.

Speaking at the second PRHF induction and special awards in Auckland on Thursday night, Serevi said this was also testimony to the power, flair, speed, and qualities of Pasifika players who play the game, both in the men's and women's competition.

While thanking the legends who have set the pace, Serevi said the current trend, where players of Pasifika origins are playing in national teams across Australia, New Zealand, Japan, France, England, Scotland, Italy, Romania, Kenya, and Wales, will continue.

"In the Pacific Islands, rugby is more than a game," Serevi said about what the game means to the Pacific.

"It is a legacy, a calling, and a pathway that offers hope, empowerment, and opportunity for greatness."

He said Pasifika rugby's reach has had the power to transform lives, and life beyond rugby, and added hat the global appeal of Pasifika rugby has reached out to the international rugby landscape.

Players have blended into the game across the world, with those who have left their shores in Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, plus those with Pasifika heritage in Australia and New Zealand.

"Pasifika rugby has had a prolific influence on the game, both on and off the field," he said, adding "the influence of Pasifika rugby can not be ignored".

Serevi acknowledged the legends of Pasifika rugby who had set the foundation, such as the late Josefa Levula of Fiji, dubbed the Flying Fijian by rugby commentators because of his running style back in the early days, the late Johan Lomu, Sir Bryan Williams, Viliami Ofahengaue, All Blacks La'auli Savae Sir Michael Jones and Malakai Alatini.

He made special mention of the late Lomu, who introduced his own style of running rugby, with power and speed.

"His influence was global and his impact is still being felt today," Serevi said of the man who used to be a challenge for him and other players when they face the giant Tongan on the field.

Seven of Pasifika's rugby legends were the second batch of inductees to be recognised at the special event.

Former Black Ferns halfback Monique Hirovanaa, the first woman of Pacific heritage to win the World Rugby Player of the Year Award in 2002, was among the inductees.

She said she was overwhelmed and honoured to be recognised, humbled that she was considered as a legend, inspiring other Pasifika women to take up the sport.

"I am excited to know that we paved the way for Pacific Island rugby and for inspiring Pasifika women to be a part of," she said.

"There is a lot of Pasifika playing rugby in general but you notice a lot of them do not go to play because the pool of Pasifika women is quite small and you find a lot of them play other sports until they find the one they want.

"Rugby could do with a lot more Pasifika women to hang in there and become great players."

Hirovanaa said she was honoured to have represented her father's Cook Islands heritage and said the award is something that should inspire others to go for excellence, no matter where in the Pacific they are from.

"For me it represents who I and and where I come from," she said.

"Inside me I am a Cook Islander, so to be recognised as that is very humbling."

She urged players to stay focused and work hard.

"They need to stick with the game, train hard, stay focused, listen to your coaches, do what you need to do and become great.

"Very exciting to be here tonight."

Others inducted were late Fesolai Va'aiga Tuigamala, former Wallaby Viliami Ofahengaue, former Tongan international Malakai Alatini, former All Blacks La'auli Savae Sir Michael Jones and Fa'alogo Tana Umaga, plus former Flying Fijian Seremaia Bai.

Alatini, father of former All Black Pita Alatini, said he was honoured and grateful to be recognised.

"I am happy to be here for this," he said.

"Rugby has done a lot for me, playing for Tonga and coaching here in Auckland and also to see my children continue with the sport."

Bai, currently an assistant coach for the Flying Fijians, said having the award was great for Pasifika rugby players, who need to be recognised as well.

He added is should also be an inspiration for young players.

"It's quite surprise personally and I could not believe that I would be amongst the legends of the legends," he said at the event's red carpet media event.

"It's humbling and to be inducted is a very humbling experience.

"This is important to recognise what people have done, sports can change lives, brings unity to the country.

"For players, it's always doing the right thing. You keep improving and learn from people you aspire to, Stay on the right side, that opportunity will not only come to you but chase you down."

Umaga said it was a recognition of his family and those that had supported him.

"It's a great achievement, for my family and people who have supported me," he said.

"I wouldn't have done what I have achieved without their support. I am humbled by it."

Special awards

There were also special awards presented on the night.

Two of the current stars of the game, Fiji Drua co-captain, Tevita Ikanivere and Manusina Samoa skipper, Masuisuimatama'ali'i Tauasa-Pauaraisa were also honoured with the Pasifika Hall of Fame Players of the Year for 2024.

Ikanivere, who has been rested by the Fijian Drua for this weekend's Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Highlanders, said the award was an honour too for him.

"It's a great privilege and honour to be recognised by Pasifika Rugby this way," he said.

"I have just seen a few legends here tonight and I remember watching them when I was at primary school.

"It's important to recognise the players that have gone before us. They did a lot of hard work to put Pasifika rugby on the map and we are reaping the fruits right now."

'Sui' Tauasa-Pauraisa said the award was special.

"It's very overwhelming," she said at the event.

"For me this is big, it means a lot for me, just celebrating my Samoa heritage, it's more than a game.

"Paving the way for our Pasifika and the oceans it is really big."

She said Pasifika women's rise has been special, with Fiji, Samoa and Tonga all getting into the limelight, with Fiji and Samoa getting into the World Cup.

"I hope that me representing Samoa hopefully will see more women representing Samoa as well and our Pacific nations," she added.

New kids on the block, Black Fern Sylvia Brunt, received the 'Monique Hirovanaa Breakthrough Women's Player of the Year award', while 2024 All Black, Wallace Sititi, was the recipient of the 'Waisale Serevi Breakthrough Men's Player of the Year' award.

Sititi, who is still recovering from injury, said he was over the moon being nominated for the award by Serevi.

"It's a huge privilege and honour, with someone as great as him, a legend of the game, that means a lot to me and am extremely grateful to receive this award," Sititi said.

"It definitely hits home, a lot of Pasifika legends in the room tonight."

Blues support

Auckland Blues chief executive Andrew Hore said Pasifika rugby has contributed a lot to Auckland and the Blues over the years and partnering with PRHF in getting the awards nights organised was special for them.

"It means a lot for us because ultimately Pasifika have made so much contributions to the Blues over the years," Hore said.

"Since 1996 so many wonderful names of Pasifika heritage have played for us and we pride ourselves as the most multi-cultural club in New Zealand and the rich fabric we get from many Pasifika people we have in our team.

"It means it is a no-brainer that we are involved with Pasifika Rugby."

He said Pasifika rugby players have a prominent future in New Zealand and the world.

"I think it just becomes part of the rich tapestry that melting pot that has been created," he said.

"They bring smart, a power of presence in the game, and because of the nature of the population too, they bring community.

"And they have become a wonderful part of the whole tapestry of the game and so interlinked into our game now and will never be removed."

He said they hope that the partnership between the Blues and Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame will grow stronger into the future.