$10K For Referees’ Association

A sum $10,000 has been set aside by the Fiji Secondary Schools Rugby Union to establish their very own referee’s association.

During the Fiji Rugby Union special general meeting last week, Union vice-president Biu Colati said they will be targeting teachers and students from schools around the country to be part of the drive.

“We are going to set up our very own referee’s association and we are liaising with the Fiji Rugby Referees Association and use the funds by providing training for referees around Fiji,” he said.

“Our plan is to get teachers and also students in Year 12 and 13 to train with us. The inclusion of these students could be another career opportunity for them. This is something we will be working on before the season starts.”

Level playing field

Colati emphasised on the need to have a level playing field heading into the new season and has plans to include women in the competition.

“I believe we are the only Union that has the funding to look after the players welfare,” he said.

“Since we are going to include the girls in our competition in 2020, FSSRU is also thinking of extending the welfare to the girls that will be playing the game.

“We will be taking them on board even though it comes with a little fee at the end of the day we need to keep our players safe and looked after.”

Edited by Osea Bola

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj