Tevita Rokovereni from Fiji has made a remarkable mark in rugby history by officiating the men’s final at the Vancouver 7s tournament. This achievement stands out as he becomes the first Fijian referee to take on such a crucial role in 16 years, succeeding James Bolabiu who last did so at the Hong Kong 7s in 2009.
Bolabiu, who now serves as the High-Performance Referee Manager for Fiji Rugby, expressed profound pride in Rokovereni’s success. He noted that the Fiji Rugby Union’s investment in the High-Performance Match Officials program has been instrumental in nurturing and developing referees, thereby fostering local talent. Rokovereni’s milestone highlights not only his personal dedication but also serves as a beacon of inspiration for both existing and future referees in Fiji.
In the final match, Argentina claimed victory over South Africa with a score of 19-12. Conversely, the Fijiana 7s team faced challenges, losing in the women’s cup final to New Zealand with a score of 41-7. This contrast in outcomes reflects the ups and downs that Fijian rugby encounters on the international stage.
Rokovereni’s accomplishment reinforces the significance of continued efforts to cultivate proficient referees in Fiji. Bolabiu remains optimistic about the future, expressing hope that more Fijian referees will have opportunities to officiate at top-tier levels, thereby enhancing Fiji’s presence in the rugby world.
This historic moment honors Rokovereni’s journey and emphasizes the collective success of rugby officiating in Fiji, signaling a promising future for young talents inspired by these achievements. The focus on referee development is a testament to the potential growth of Fijian rugby as it continues to earn respect and recognition globally.
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