Oceania Rugby has inaugurated its first-ever Match Official High-Performance Camp in Nadi, marking a significant development for World Rugby.
This major event unites match officials from across the Oceania region, aiming to enhance their skills, promote knowledge sharing, and improve officiating standards in rugby.
Richard Sapias, President of Oceania Rugby, stated that the camp offers a distinctive platform for officials to participate in extensive training sessions, workshops, and discussions facilitated by seasoned referees and educators from World Rugby.
Participants from both Oceania and other regions will have the opportunity to refine their techniques, learn about the latest advancements in match officiating, and cultivate camaraderie among their peers.
Sapias highlighted that this initiative provides international exposure and opportunities for exchanges beyond the region, including countries like the USA, Japan, and Canada, and is the first program to be fully integrated with World Rugby’s talent identification pathways.
He emphasized that this groundbreaking event not only enhances officiating standards but also creates pathways for aspiring referees in the future.