Sevens maestro Waisale Serevi is open to discussions to contest the 2026 General Elections. The King of Sevens and coach indicated he was also approached to run in the last election in 2022 however he was not interested in politics the last couple of years. The Qarani, Gau, Lomaiviti man said he is currently in the country setting up his rugby academy in developing the sport from the grassroots in communities. He has been asked if he was interested to join the politics arena in the next election while he is helping rugby grow; Serevi did not disclose any political party name. “I wouldn’t say no but I’m still praying and thinking; but the number one priority for me is the academy, I’ve done the trail, a lot of kids are interested and coming,” he said. “Yes. I’m open to discussion and if the opportunity comes, then why not, I’m in Fiji. “Anything to do with sports or whatever to do the country good, to try and take the country to the next level that’s what I’m in. “I always take rugby to the next level and maybe this is another opportunity to take Fiji to the next level. “After the last 16 years, 17 years going now I’ve seen what’s happening with the people leading the country and I’m open to conversation,” Serevi added. One of the messages of the Serevi Academy of Rugby You includes Say No Drugs which is clearly printed on his vehicle which was donated by Asco Motors yesterday. “They’re saying the “Say No Drugs” is a broken English phrase. I said it’s for a reason – it’s a direct stop to the things that is happening. “I came back now to set up my academy because of the last 15 years I have been helping kids abroad with my programme. “I thought to do the same in the country to help the youths in Fiji in rugby especially to fight the drug war in the country. “This is to try and give a hand to encourage and motivate kids that they are important part of society, we need to just guide and empower them.” Serevi said his goal is to teach kids to be the best rugby player in the world especially to be a good person in life. “Rugby is the vehicle for me to get into community, getting into the media, get into the villages and empowering the kids and encouraging them with my story.” The former national coach hopes to inspire more children with his story in driving them to become better citizens. Meanwhile, the 2026 General Elections is likely to happen between July 2026 and February 2027. Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj