DUBAI // Waisale Serevi, a player who personifies the joy of sport, was moved to tears after winning the International Vets title with J9 Legends.
The win over Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, the defending champions, meant their Fijian captain had kept his promise to Joost van der Westhuizen, the founder of the side.
“The difference was, we were playing against teams, but we were a J9 family,” said Serevi, 47.
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“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.
“The side has been here for three years, and, having lost in the final twice, I am so happy. I have met Joost’s wish, to win this tournament for him.”
Van der Westhuizen, the former South Africa star, is stricken by motor neuron disease, a progressive wasting condition that is terminal.
His J9 Foundation supports research to try to find a cure for MND. According to Serevi, it is likely Van der Westhuizen only has months to live.
“This is the last Christmas for him,” Serevi said. “It is already sad enough for me.
“My kids have been texting me saying, ‘Please, you have to win.’ I’ll told my daughter I would do anything to win, for Joost, to see him smile one more time before the end of 2015.
“I can go home, and if something happens in the next two months, I have done my part for him. He is a great man, a warrior.”
Despite winning titles all over the world in arguably the most glorious career of all sevens players, this was the first time Serevi had won a top-tier competition in Dubai for 18 years.
Given the amount of retired international players of great standing involved in the International Vets, J9’s path to victory was not easy.
On Day 3 of the tournament, they beat Joining Jack, for whom former England wing Mark Cueto excelled this weekend, 10-0 in the semi-final.
They then beat Christina Noble, who had former England wing Josh Lewsey and former New Zealand sevens star Orene Ai’i in their ranks, 21-14 on Pitch 1 in the final.
Serevi reiterated that the win was also earned in memory of another former friend and rival, Jonah Lomu, who died last month.
“This was a win for J-J9 – Joost and Jonah,” he said. “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.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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