Tears of joy filled Lavenia Racaca’s eyes as she was honored with the title of Female Referee of the Year at the inaugural Fiji Rugby Referees Awards held in Suva on Saturday. The award was presented to her by Miss Fiji, Dr. Peggy Ravusiro, marking a significant milestone in Racaca’s refereeing career.
Reflecting on her unexpected recognition, Racaca expressed her surprise upon hearing her name called. She emotionally recounted her thoughts of her mother, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to an injury, emphasizing the gratitude she felt towards her family and friends who have supported her throughout her journey in rugby refereeing.
The awards ceremony, held at the Vodafone Arena in Suva, served as a moment of celebration not just for Racaca, but also as a reflection on her hard-fought path to success. She shared her heartfelt memories of her upbringing, acknowledging the sacrifices made along the way.
Racaca dedicated her award to significant figures in her life, including God, her family, and her friends who inspired her. With an eye toward the future, she expressed her commitment to nurturing the next generation of referees, focusing on their development and addressing any weaknesses they may face.
Her decision to transition from playing for the Marist Seahawks to refereeing came after seeking guidance from her uncle, Samuela Racaca. This pivotal moment set her on a path that led to her Test debut on May 26, 2023, during the Oceania Women’s Rugby Championship, where Samoa faced Tonga. Since then, she has continued to rise in her career, officiating at prestigious events such as the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris and the HSBC SVNS series.
Lavenia Racaca’s journey is a testament to perseverance and passion, underscoring her dedication not only to her craft but also to uplifting others in her field. With her recent accolade, Racaca serves as an inspiring figure for aspiring referees in Fiji and beyond.