Rokovereni Returns from Vancouver 7s with Inspiring Message for Aspiring Referees
Fiji’s leading rugby referee, Tevita Rokovereni, has returned home from the Vancouver 7s tournament with a remarkable achievement under his belt and a powerful message for aspiring referees. The Namara, Tailevu native fulfilled one of his career goals by officiating as the main referee at an HSBC SVNS Series tournament, a milestone he describes as a “massive achievement.”
Rokovereni shared his journey and encouraged upcoming referees to pursue their dreams with hard work and determination.
“Thanks to James (Bolabiu) because he inspired me to work hard, not only to be successful as a referee but also in other aspects of life,” Rokovereni said. “It’s a massive achievement, and I’ve always prepared myself. I’ve been quite fortunate to get that opportunity to officiate at my first Cup Final of the HSBC SVNS Series.”
High-Performance Referee Manager James Bolabiu was full of praise for Rokovereni’s accomplishment, calling it a proud moment for Fiji’s refereeing community.
“Tevita’s prayers have been answered, and we, as referees, are proud of this milestone. It reflects our work at uplifting the level of our referees,” Bolabiu said. “This achievement will have a positive impact on our recruitment drive and training for Fiji and Oceania.”
Bolabiu also highlighted the progress of the Fiji Referees High Performance Unit, which has introduced a fitness test program to strengthen the physical conditioning of referees. He noted a growing interest in refereeing, with improved attendance, motivation, and behavior among local referees.
“I can see the growth in the interest of our referees, including their attendance up to par. They are motivated, and the change in behavior is promising for the future of local referees,” Bolabiu added.
Rokovereni’s success serves as an inspiration to many, proving that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. His journey from Fiji to the international stage is a testament to the potential of local talent and the importance of mentorship and support within the rugby community.