A significant collaboration is unfolding as Fiji National University (FNU) partners with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) to elevate sports excellence through World Rugby certification. This union marks a pivotal step towards enhancing rugby education and training within Fiji, aligning with ongoing efforts to develop the sport across various levels.
Recent discussions have involved notable figures such as Perry Gabriel from FNU’s Natabua Campus and members of the FRU’s High-Performance Unit, including Varanisese Tagimaucia, Josaia Tulomana, and James Bolabiu. Together, they are exploring the establishment of a Rugby Refereeing Certification Initiative to improve the standards of rugby officiating in Fiji.
Gabriel emphasized the potential of FNU’s Natabua Campus as a prime setting for launching professional development programs, owing to its extensive reach among future educators and its robust facilities. In light of this, Bolabiu articulated the FRU’s vision to uplift the quality of refereeing in Fiji through structured training programs.
The initiative will involve a six-week workshop series, consisting of two-hour sessions each week leading up to the rugby season. The curriculum is designed to blend practical, on-field training with virtual seminars led by global referees who will share their expertise and insights. This innovative approach aims to enhance refereeing as a professional skill and a potential source of income for graduates.
The anticipated outcome is the development of elite referees who will contribute positively to Fiji’s rugby landscape, ultimately benefiting communities and aspiring players across the nation. This collaboration illustrates a hopeful commitment to foster excellence in sports, potentially inspiring a new generation of rugby officials in Fiji.
Such partnerships echo broader efforts in the Fijian rugby framework, highlighting a collective determination to improve the sport’s infrastructure, governance, and competitive standards, further empowering Fijian communities through rugby.
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