The country’s top referee Tevita Rokovereni has achieved another milestone in being given the opportunity to officiate in the Shute Shield competition in Sydney, NSW in Australia. 

He had previously been only the second Fijian (after James Bolabiu) to be part of the full World Rugby Men’s Sevens Series.  

The 33-year-old referee hopes to excel in the 15s code and by participating in the Shute Shield it will help him prepare for the World Rugby Under-20 Trophy Challenge in Kenya next month. 

Rokovereni also officiated as the assistant referee in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s home Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific home matches.  He also controlled matches at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan. 

The Matamaivere, Tailevu native acknowledged Fiji Rugby and Oceania Rugby for assisting him to pursue his dream of officiating in the 15s competition. 

“I thank Fiji Rugby Union who had given me the opportunity locally and assisted me participate in the international tournaments. FRU has played a vital role in shaping my rugby career as a referee,” he said. 

“I also want to acknowledge Oceania Rugby for their kind support and taking care of landing costs in Sydney and above all giving me this opportunity and platform which is certainly a huge achievement towards my final goal of officiating a top-level 15’s competition.” 

Rokovereni said his hard work has paid off and is ready to give his best shot in the Shute Shield.
He joined the Fiji Rugby Referees Association in 2008 and after nine years of hard work, he was introduced to the world stage in 2017 where he was part of the four men’s tournament at the World Rugby Sevens Series. 

“In 2019, I was moved to the women’s where I officiated in five women’s and three men’s tournaments and then in 2020 I was supposed to go to six men’s competitions but due to COVID-19 I just went to the Hamilton and Sydney 7s,” he said. 

Story By: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj