Waisale Serevi

Legendary Fijian Sevens rugby player, Waisale Serevi, was moved to tears after winning the International Vets title in Dubai at the weekend.

Serevi played for the J9 Legends team who won the title after beating the Christina Noble Children’s Foundation side.

Former Springbok scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen is the founder of the J9 Legends and Serevi was honoured to represent the team.

Van der Westhuizen, who played 89 Tests for the Springboks, is stricken by the terminal motor neuron disease (MND).

His J9 Foundation supports research to try to find a cure for MND.

“We were together, everyone was working hard for each other. I have never been so proud in my life as I am winning this for Joost,” Serevi  said.

“The side has been here for 3 years, and, having lost in the final twice, I am so happy. I have met Joost’s wish, to win this tournament for him.”

According to Serevi, it is likely Van der Westhuizen only has months to live.

“This is the last Christmas for him,” said Serevi. “It is already sad enough for me. My kids have been texting me saying, ‘Please, you have to win.’ I told my daughter I would do anything to win, for Joost, to see him smile 1 more time before the end of 2015.”

Serevi also dedicated the win to former All Black wing Jonah Lomu, who passed away last month.

“This was a win for J-J9 – Joost and Jonah,” said Serevi. “It is for both of them, for what they have done in rugby. I hope and pray I can meet Joost again within the next couple of months.”

news24