Watisoni Naqau, a 21-year-old from Votua village in Lekutu, Bua, has earned the opportunity to serve as one of Fiji’s referees at the 2024 Oceania 7s tournament, scheduled for December 7-8 in Honiara, Solomon Islands. This event presents an exciting platform for Naqau to showcase his skills on an international level.
Naqau’s love for rugby blossomed during his childhood while he attended Lekutu Primary and Secondary Schools. He was inspired by watching local club games in Bua and developed a keen interest in officiating, closely observing the referees to understand how they managed the matches. “I started watching the officials and following them around to learn how they managed the games,” he recalled.
His potential was recognized by the Fiji Rugby Referees Association, which invited him to participate in a refereeing certification course. “I was fortunate to be invited by Fiji Rugby officials to undergo a course for certification in refereeing,” Naqau stated, marking a pivotal moment in his officiating journey.
Inspired by Fijian referees who officiated at global events, Naqau aspired to follow in their footsteps. “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 shared with enthusiasm.
Since gaining his certification, he has officiated in various local competitions, including the Vodafone Vanua Cup, Skipper Cup, and Fiji Bitter 7s series. These experiences have significantly enhanced his confidence and skillset, which ultimately led to this prestigious opportunity at the Oceania 7s tournament.
Naqau expressed his sincere appreciation to the Fiji Rugby Referees Association for their unwavering support in his development. He remarked, “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 is one of persistence and passion, serving as an inspiration to young aspiring referees in Fiji and beyond. With his dedication and the support of the rugby community, the future looks bright for him in the world of sports officiating.
This achievement exemplifies how dedication and support can help individuals reach new heights in their careers, inspiring many others to pursue their dreams.
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