It was a historic night for the Fiji Rugby Union as it hosted its first-ever Referees Awards Night, celebrating the crucial role referees play in the game and recognising their dedication and service.
Tevita Rokovereni won the Male Referee of the Year Award while Lavenia Racaca received the Female Referee of the Year award.
Rokovereni says he is honoured to receive the recognition and acknowledged those who paved the way before him.
He also thanked James Bolabiu for his mentorship and leadership in organising the awards night, as well as the Fiji Rugby Union for supporting and developing him throughout his career.
He adds that with Fiji’s promotion to Tier One status, the awards night marks the beginning of greater achievements ahead for refereeing in the country.
Fiji Rugby Union Chairman John Sanday highlighted the importance of referees, saying rugby in Fiji is more than just a sport, as it reflects the core cultural pillars of the Vanua, the church and Veiwekani (relationships).
Sanday says the FRU will continue to invest in mentorship programmes and education to further develop referees across the country.
He also says Fiji should be proud of the men and women who dedicate their time to officiating matches and nurturing players, adding that referees are the unsung heroes of the game and serve as strong ambassadors for Fiji, especially at international tournaments.
The award recipients were:
- Rookie and Newcomer of the Year – Tevita Seletui
- Most Improved Referee of the Year – Sitiveni Raitamati
-Best Assistant Referee of the Year – Maretino Koroivuki
- Female Referee of the Year – Lavenia Racaca
- Male Referee of the Year – Tevita Rokovereni
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Joeli Qio
- Mentor of the Year – Atama Matauloki
- Outstanding Contribution to Refereeing – Kuini Vuli
- Referee Coach of the Year – Aisake Drekeni
- Referee Association Spirit Award – Lautoka Referee Association
- Refereeing Volunteer Support of the Year – Alisi Tabu
- Referee Personality of the Year – Josaia Vakatavitavi
- Oceania Male Referee Award – David Vosalevu
