Tears of joy flowed down Lavenia Racaca’s face on Saturday night as she was honored with the Female Referee of the Year award during the inaugural Fiji Rugby Referees Awards held in Suva. The accolade was presented to her by Miss Fiji, Dr. Peggy Ravusiro.
In a heartfelt moment after the ceremony, Racaca expressed her surprise at receiving the prestigious award. “I didn’t expect to receive this award tonight,” she remarked, sharing that her thoughts turned to her mother, who could not attend due to an injury. “When my name was called on stage, tears fell from my eyes as I thought of my mother,” she said.
As she celebrated this milestone in her career, Racaca reflected on the journey that led her to this moment. Winning the award at the Vodafone Arena brought back memories of her upbringing and the challenges she faced along the way. She dedicated her achievement to significant influences in her life, including God, her family, and friends.
Looking ahead, Racaca aims to support the next generation of referees by helping them develop their skills and addressing any weaknesses they may encounter. Her passion for officiating rugby began when she transitioned from playing for the Marist Seahawks, seeking guidance from her uncle, Samuela Racaca.
Racaca’s officiating career has garnered notable achievements, including her Test debut on May 26, 2023, during a match between Samoa and Tonga in the Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship. She has also officiated at the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and in the HSBC SVNS series. Her success highlights the growing recognition of female referees in rugby, inspiring hope for greater inclusivity and representation in the sport.
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