Glen Jackson urges a Fijian referee to join Super Rugby Pacific
Summary: Fijian Drua coach Glen Jackson calls for a homegrown referee in Super Rugby Pacific, arguing it would lift officiating standards and improve the flow of the game, as the Fiji Rugby Union 2025 Symposium runs in Suva.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has urged that a Fijian referee be integrated into Super Rugby Pacific, saying the move would benefit the competition and help Fiji’s referees grow. He spoke during the Fiji Rugby Union 2025 Symposium, held at Albert Park in Suva, when queried about his work with local officials for the long term.
“I was a referee, and it’s extremely passionate that the referees in Fiji become, I’m not going to say better but they need a referee in Super Rugby,” Jackson said. He noted that Fiji had two referees a couple of years ago and stressed the importance of opening doors to allow qualified officials to participate at the highest level.
“We open our doors and not everyone walks through,” he added, emphasizing that invitations must be extended for the right reasons. Jackson argued that having referees involved throughout the process would help create the favorable conditions for play, and he urged that referees be present to help them improve because “we need them in Super Rugby.”
“We want referees there, we want them to make them better because we need them in Super Rugby,” he continued. “And you get better referees, you get better grounds and you get better balls, you get a better game. And it all ties them together, and we’re all here, not to hide. We’re here to work together to make sure that we’ve got the right people loving this game forever.”
The symposium, which continues in Suva, is part of ongoing dialogue about officiating and development in Fiji rugby. The discussion around local refereeing has been echoed in recent weeks by other Drua figures who have voiced concerns about officiating in Super Rugby Pacific and highlighted the potential benefits of closer collaboration between Fiji’s referees and the competition’s standards.
Context from related coverage indicates that there is broad support for improving officiating through better understanding of Fiji’s playing style and greater involvement of local officials. Mick Byrne, the head coach of the Drua, has publicly backed Jackson’s stance, acknowledging the team’s strengths in set-piece play while noting officiating has sometimes undermined their efforts. Byrne emphasized patience as Fiji’s teams push to prove themselves at the top level and expressed confidence in Jackson’s assessment of officiating dynamics.
Looking ahead, the Drua remain focused on refining their game plan and continuing their development pathways for local talent, as highlighted in ongoing coverage of the franchise’s strategy and performance. Fans and stakeholders alike are hopeful that closer cooperation with referees and officials will help elevate Fiji’s presence in Super Rugby Pacific.
Commentary and value add:
– This call aligns with a broader push to strengthen officiating from Fiji’s rugby ecosystem by integrating more local referees into the competitive ladder, which could improve consistency and understanding of Fijian play styles.
– If pursued, a practical path could include formalized development programs, mentorship with experienced international referees, and clear pathways from domestic competitions to Super Rugby Pacific assignments.
– The move could also enhance the rugby community’s engagement, giving fans more reason to celebrate and support homegrown officials rising to the highest level.
Outlook:
– The idea has momentum within Fiji’s rugby culture, and with the FRU Symposium continuing, there may be opportunities to structure a concrete plan in collaboration with Super Rugby Pacific and regional refereeing bodies.
– For the Drua, keeping focus on performance and player development while fostering constructive dialogue with officials could help translate officiating discussions into positive on-field outcomes.
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