The ongoing collaboration between the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) and Rooster Chicken has seen a significant enhancement with the recent donation of referee officiating kits and apparel, which took place at Rugby House in Suva. This initiative is set to elevate the standards of refereeing across all domestic rugby competitions in Fiji for the year.
Present at the handover ceremony were Rooster Poultry CEO Stanley Raniga, FRU Chairman John Sanday, and FRU Referees Association Coordinator Johnson Lee. Sanday emphasized the importance of the new kits, stating that they not only enhance the referees’ professional appearance but also boost their morale, contributing to a heightened sense of pride as they execute their duties on the field. He remarked, “This partnership resonates deeply with the spirit of Fiji rugby, reflecting our commitment to excellence both in the community and on the global stage.”
Raniga reiterated the sentiments voiced by Sanday, celebrating the handover as a key extension of their partnership with FRU. He expressed pride in supporting the referees, highlighting that the initiative is inclusive, aiming to benefit the entire rugby community from grassroots levels to elite competitions.
Johnson Lee reaffirmed the strength of the relationship formed over the last six years, emphasizing their dedication to upholding the laws of rugby and the values integral to the sport, both on and off the field.
This partnership comes at a time when the FRU is also investing in the professional development of its referees, as indicated by recent conversations surrounding the establishment of a Rugby Refereeing Certification Initiative in cooperation with Fiji National University. Such movements illustrate a collective effort to uplift officiating standards in Fiji rugby, promoting a bright future for the sport as new opportunities for growth continue to emerge.
Overall, the handover event signifies more than just the distribution of new kits; it is a representation of the robust support for referees and a commitment to fostering a vibrant rugby culture in Fiji, ultimately inspiring confidence in both current and aspiring officials.
Leave a comment