Serevi returns to Fiji Sevens helm

At Fiji's service: Waisale Serevi

Fiji have appointed Waisale Serevi as the new national Sevens coach for the IRB Sevens World Series 2008/09 and their defence of the Rugby World Cup Sevens title next year.

The Fiji Rugby Union made the announcement on Thursday as the Sevens legend succeeds Jo Savou, who guided Fiji to fourth place in the IRB Sevens World Series in 2007/08 with three finals in Dubai, George and London - the closest the islanders came to getting their hands on any silverware.

Serevi, who captained his country to victory at the RWC Sevens 1997 and 2005 is no stranger to success as a coach either having coached them to the IRB Sevens World Series crown in 2006 - the only time New Zealand have not won the Series.

Fiji's defence of the 2006 title came to an end with a quarter-final exit at the 2007 season finale in Murrayfield allowing New Zealand to sneak past Serevi's men to the coveted overall crown by just two points prompting is resignation after two years at the helm.

The leading point scorer in RWC Sevens history having played in all four events to date, Serevi has this year been coaching the Chinese Taipei Sevens squad as they try to qualify for the 2009 event in Dubai as one of Asia's representatives.

"We are happy to say that the Board has deliberated at length in reaching this decision," said Fiji Rugby Union Board Chairman Keni Dakuidreketi.

"We feel the appointment of Serevi was made in the best interest of Fiji rugby."

The position of Fiji Sevens manager will be confirmed at the next Board meeting.