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.
Asinate played volleyball and basketball in middle and high school in the US.
She switched to rugby and played for the USA Under-20s and Collegiate All-Americans in 7s and 15s, along with a number of Falcons level tournaments in 7s.
She earned her first cap with the US women’s 15s national team in 2016 against rivals Canada. She earned her degree in law and justice from Central Washington University.
Asinate shared her experience training with the Fijiana Drua, saying it was tough.
“It has been an honour to be selected into the extended squad and a whole different environment for me in terms of training as I always wanted to play for my home team.
“The players have been welcoming and supportive ever since I’ve been here.
“Watching Fiji play is totally different from other countries.
“That’s why people are always excited watching Fiji play because the way we play, the structure that we have and also different players have different talents and I want to be part of that.”
Asinate plays as a forward for the Scion Rugby Club in the US. Meanwhile, the Fijiana is pooled with England, France and South Africa at the Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
