Fiji’s Referee of the Year Hints at Tier-One Era Ahead of LA 2028

International referee Tevita Rokovereni has shared an inspiring message with young and aspiring referees following his recognition as the Male Referee of the Year at the inaugural Fiji Rugby Referees Awards held on Saturday. Receiving this prestigious honor from Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday, Rokovereni expressed gratitude and reflected on his contributions to rugby both locally and internationally, while also acknowledging the efforts of the emerging generation of referees.

“I’ve been the standard bearer for some time now, but the young guys out there, those are the contributors and they deserve this award,” Rokovereni stated, highlighting the importance of nurturing new talent in the sport. He remarked that Fiji’s recent elevation to tier one status represents an exciting new chapter for referees in the nation. “I think Fiji, going into tier one next season, referees need to have the tier one mindset also, so this is just the start of something exciting,” he added.

Looking ahead to his busy schedule, Rokovereni is set to continue his involvement in the HSBC Sevens Series, with aspirations leading up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. His journey in refereeing began after completing his education at Rishikul Sanatan College, where, despite not playing rugby, he cultivated a strong academic foundation as encouraged by his parents.

Since making his debut in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in January 2017, where he officiated between Wales and Russia at the Wellington 7s, Rokovereni has quickly risen in prominence. He has since presided over 40 HSBC World Rugby Sevens tournaments, including 35 men’s and five women’s matches, demonstrating his commitment to the sport and his growing reputation on the international stage.

Rokovereni’s achievements serve not only as an inspiration to fellow referees but also highlight Fiji’s potential on the global rugby scene. His dedication to fostering the next generation and his positive outlook on the future of Fiji rugby is a promising development for the sport.