Fiji’s recent rise to Tier-One rugby status is not just a win for the players and coaching staff; it also places significant responsibility on referees, who play a critical role in ensuring fairness and the overall quality of each match. In light of this elevation, Fiji Rugby is ramping up its initiatives to enhance officiating standards from local fields all the way to the international stage.
According to James Bolabiu, the High Performance Referees Manager for Fiji Rugby, the transition to Tier-One status demands referees who can uphold the same standards as their international counterparts. “For our team to perform at a very high level, we also need good referees who referee them from grassroots right up to international level, so our players are well versed with the laws,” he stated.
Bolabiu emphasized that part of his responsibility is to ensure that Fiji’s referees are equipped to meet these new challenges. “I have to make sure that referees are up to the standard of a Tier 1 country. Referees are the unsung heroes of the game; without a referee, a rugby match will never be the same,” he remarked.
Enhancing the depth of officiating is crucial for Fiji’s ongoing commitment to developing a high-performance system that fully aligns with global standards. This initiative not only aims to elevate the quality of refereeing but also seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the game amongst players, ultimately benefiting the overall rugby ecosystem in Fiji.