Fiji’s leading rugby referee, Tevita Rokovereni, has recently returned from the Vancouver 7s tournament with an impressive accomplishment, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This significant achievement sees him officiating as the main referee at the prestigious HSBC SVNS Series tournament, a milestone he describes as a “massive achievement.”
Reflecting on his journey, Rokovereni emphasized the importance of hard work and determination for aspiring referees. “It’s a massive achievement, and I’ve always prepared myself,” he noted, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to officiate in his first Cup Final of the HSBC SVNS Series.
His success also highlights the power of mentorship; he credited fellow referee James Bolabiu for motivating him not only in his officiating career but also in life. Bolabiu, who now serves as the High-Performance Referee Manager, expressed immense pride in Rokovereni’s accomplishment, stating that it reflects well on Fiji’s refereeing community and serves as a benchmark for ongoing growth and development in the field.
Bolabiu highlighted that this milestone has a significant impact on Fiji’s recruitment and training efforts in refereeing. He mentioned the positive engagement among local referees, noting improvements in attendance, motivation, and behavior, which are vital for the future of refereeing in Fiji and Oceania.
Rokovereni’s achievement is more than a personal victory; it symbolizes the potential for local talent to excel on a global stage and serves as an inspiration for the next generation of referees. His journey underscores that with perseverance and the right support system, success is attainable.
Moreover, this accomplishment resonates with the developments in the Fiji Rugby Union’s High-Performance Match Officials program, validating its effectiveness in fostering talented referees. As such, this moment of celebration brings hope and a promising outlook for the future of rugby officiating in Fiji.
Overall, Tevita Rokovereni’s achievement not only celebrates personal success but also illuminates the collective progress of Fijian rugby officiating, showcasing a bright future filled with opportunities for young referees to shine on international platforms.

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