Watisoni Naqau, a 21-year-old from Votua village in Lekutu, Bua, has been chosen as one of the referees to officiate at the 2024 Oceania 7s tournament, set to be held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, on December 7-8. This tournament marks a significant milestone for Naqau as he steps onto the international stage.
Naqau’s journey into the world of rugby officiating began in his childhood. He attended Lekutu Primary and Secondary Schools, where his enthusiasm for rugby grew as he watched local club games in Bua. This exposure inspired him to pay close attention to the referees managing these matches. “I started watching the officials and following them around to learn how they managed the games,” he recalls.
Recognizing his talent, the Fiji Rugby Referees Association invited Naqau to participate in a certification course in refereeing, which marked the official start of his officiating career. “I was fortunate to be invited by Fiji Rugby officials to undergo a course for certification in refereeing,” Naqau shares.
Naqau was motivated by watching Fijian referees officiate at international events, which fueled his ambition to join their ranks. “I had always admired the referees from Fiji officiating overseas and set my mind on doing that as well in the not-so-distant future,” he expressed.
Since earning his certification, Naqau has gained valuable experience by officiating in local competitions such as the Vodafone Vanua Cup, Skipper Cup, and Fiji Bitter 7s series. These opportunities helped him develop confidence and hone his skills, ultimately leading to his selection for the Oceania 7s tournament.
He expressed his gratitude towards the Fiji Rugby Referees Association for their support in his growth, stating, “I thank them for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to move onto a regional competition. I look forward to even bigger opportunities in the near future.”
Naqau’s story serves as an inspiring example of how passion coupled with dedication can lead to remarkable opportunities. As he prepares for this international event, it is a testament to his hard work that can motivate others in the community to pursue their dreams in sports, whether as players or officials.
Overall, Watisoni Naqau’s achievement not only highlights his individual talent but also shines a light on the potential of young referees in Fiji to make a mark on the world stage.
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