Budding referee gets Super Rugby experience

An Indo-Fijian schoolgirl breaks into rugby refereeing pathway and it started with the Fijian Drua match exposure.

This came true for Vaibhavi Deo of Koronivia, Nausori, a Year 9 student at Adi Cakobau School, who is carving a path few have taken.

She is among the first Fijians of Indian descent at this level to step into rugby union refereeing, an area where girls— particularly from the Indo-Fijian community — remain underrepresented.

Her dream is to become a Tier 1 rugby union referee. That journey began over the weekend.

A passionate rugby follower from a young age, Vaibhavi has spent countless weekends watching rugby matches, from Super Rugby to international Tests.

A supporter of the Hurricanes and the All Blacks, her interest in the game has grown into a desire to officiate.

Inspired by leading referees, particularly Angus Gardner, Vaibhavi began studying the craft closely. She hopes to one day officiate at the Tier 1 level and handle an All Blacks match.

She was appointed by the Fiji Rugby Union Referees High Performance Unit to assist during the Fijian Drua’s clash against Western Force in the Shop N Save Super Rugby competition.

The appointment allowed her to work alongside World Rugby referees Damon Murphy and Jordan Way— an experience that marked the start of her officiating journey.

Vaibhavi thanked FRU Elite Referee manager James Bolabiu for recognising her potential.

“For me, rugby has become an integral part of my life. It is now my passion,” she said.

“Today’s opportunity was unbelievable. I was doing my schoolwork one evening last week when my dad called me. When he told me that James Bolabiu had written about my appointment, I was lost for words.

“From watching rugby on TV as a child to stepping onto the field with world-class referees was an incredible moment I will always cherish.”

Vaibhavi said the encouragement she received would continue to motivate her.

“I am also grateful for the opportunity to learn from top-level referees like Damon Murphy and Jordan Way, who took the time to guide and motivate me.”

Vaibhavi also acknowledged the support of her parents, Vashna Lata and Dhanjay Deo.

“They have always told me that nothing is impossible and that girls can achieve anything. There should be no limits to our dreams.”