Fiji is making significant strides in rugby by hosting the first-ever Oceania Rugby high-performance camp for match officials in Nadi. This event is a crucial step toward enhancing officiating standards across the Oceania region. Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) through the PacificAus Sports program, the camp aims to improve the skills and knowledge of match officials.
As a result of the camp, Olympian referee Lavenia Racaca and newcomer Meresiana Savenaca have been chosen by Oceania Rugby to officiate at the Australian Championship on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. For Meresiana, this will be her first international assignment, marking a significant milestone in her refereeing career. The participation of two female referees from Fiji at this elite level underscores the rising influence of Fijian women in rugby officiating.
Conducted by experienced international referees and educators, the camp offers referees from across the Pacific an essential opportunity to refine their officiating skills while keeping up with the latest advancements in the sport. Participants are involved in training sessions, workshops, and discussions aimed at promoting excellence and unity among officials.
Oceania Rugby President Richard Sapias highlighted the significance of the camp, labeling it a pivotal moment for rugby development in the region. “By launching this initiative in Fiji, we are reaffirming our commitment to supporting match officials and promoting excellence in rugby,” Sapias stated. The camp also aims to create clear pathways for aspiring referees, laying a strong foundation for the future of rugby in the Pacific.