Fiji Rugby Union chairman John Sanday has called for an enhancement of match officiating standards to match Fiji’s newly attained status as a tier one rugby nation. At the recent Fiji Rugby Referees Awards held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, Sanday articulated the necessity for referees to align with the Fiji Rugby Union’s vision of advancing the sport, particularly focusing on empowering younger officials.
He appealed for greater collaboration with the Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) to strive for excellence in rugby, especially as the country gears up for its historic participation in the Nations Championship next year. Sanday took a moment to acknowledge the dedication of referees, coaches, and mentors who have been instrumental in nurturing novice referees, thereby fostering a culture of respect and high standards within the sport.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of referees in facilitating change, he asserted that match officiating standards must rapidly elevate to meet the expectations of a tier one rugby nation. “Our match officiating also has to rise to that level in the quickest possible time to do that,” Sanday stated emphatically.
Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru supported these views in his keynote address, outlining a future where Fiji’s tier one status will be reflected not just in gameplay but also in the quality of officiating. He underscored the critical role referees play in achieving this vision, affirming that their contributions are essential to uphold Fiji’s distinguished rugby reputation.
As Fiji embarks on this promising journey, the collective commitment from officials and referees signals a bright future for rugby in the nation. This unified effort to elevate officiating standards is expected to enhance Fiji’s performance on the global stage while fostering continuous growth and excellence in the sport.