For the first time in 16 years, a Fijian referee has been selected to officiate a final in the HSBC 7s series. Tevita Rokovereni has been entrusted with the important role of officiating the men’s final at the Vancouver 7s, which features a matchup between South Africa and Argentina.
The last Fijian referee to officiate in an HSBC 7s final was James Bolabiu, who now serves as the High-Performance Referee Manager for Fiji Rugby and oversaw the Hong Kong 7s back in 2009. Bolabiu expressed immense pride in Rokovereni’s selection, emphasizing it as a monumental milestone for the Fiji Rugby Union and highlighting the progress Fijian refereeing has made.
Bolabiu reflected on his experiences, stating, “It’s been a long time, and I know the feeling he is going through right now as I have been there and done it also.” He noted that this selection showcases the positive outcomes of the Fiji Rugby Union’s investment in referee development programs. He also expressed optimism about the future, asserting that with the current initiatives in place, more local referees could officiate at significant international matches in the years to come.
The recognition of a Fijian referee at this level serves as an inspiration, not only for current officials but for aspiring referees throughout the region. This moment signifies not just personal achievement for Rokovereni but also points toward a bright future for officiating in Fijian rugby, which is gaining acknowledgment and respect on a global stage.
Overall, Tevita Rokovereni’s appointment demonstrates the dedication of referees in Fiji and the ongoing efforts to elevate their representation in international rugby. The strides made in referee development reflect a hopeful outlook and the promise of additional opportunities for aspiring referees moving forward.
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