The Fiji Times

Nate’s reason for playing FAMILY MOTIVATES STAR

- By PAULINI CURUQARA Continued on

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HAVING her family support is a big boost for Asinate Serevi and for that she is grateful.

Nate as she is commonly called, is the daughter of World Rugby Hall of Fame legend Waisale Serevi.

The Qarani, Gau lass was named in the 32-member Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s squad for the two Test matches against Japan and Australia, but she is currently on a three-year stand down period after playing for the US in July 2019.

She will be available for Fijiana duties after the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championsh­ip in New Zealand next month.

She was emotional as she spoke about family as her source of inspiratio­n. “It’s always going to be my family. “I watched my dad play for a long time and behind that, mum’s behind him too on and off the field and that is why he is so successful because family has been supportive of him.

“Then I have my grandparen­ts and my uncles, my aunts and family all over the world always praying and supporting him.

“Most importantl­y my brother, I know he is creating his own legacy and watching him grow up I think he is going to be one of the best rugby players and he is going to be a better player than dad.

“One of my goals was to be able to have my late grandfathe­r in one of my games but I know he is always going to be there no matter what and having my grandmothe­r here as well, she has been excited ever since I told her that I will be coming back.”

She grew up around rugby and began playing for Seattle when she moved with her family to the US from Fiji.

Asinate said she was ready to take on the challenge when allowed to play.

“That’s my goal, to play for Fiji in the World Cup and I am taking training one day at a time. Having overseas and local players competing for a spot is going to be a tough one,” she said.

Tears of joy ... Asinate Serevi in tears during an interview at Latter-day Saints College last week.

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 ?? Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI ??
Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI

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