IT was a family affair for sisters Akisi Savenakoro and Roselyn Mary as they officiated as referees in the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s when it kicked off yesterday.
The duo hail from the village of Tacilevu, Cakaudrove, just off the Hibiscus Highway, with maternal links to Naravuka in Seaqaqa, Macuata.
At 22-years-old, Savenakoro is a first-year student pursuing a diploma in forestry at the Fiji National University in Labasa and has joined the Cakaudrove Rugby Association.
Her sister Mary is a student at Tacilevu Secondary School and is 18-years-old.
In becoming part of the large group of match officials for the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s, Savenakoro explained how they were selected.
“For us to be part of the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s, we used to have the appointment of the president of the Cakaudrove (Rugby Association) and the criteria that was used to select us to be part of this Fiji Bitter (7s leg) is our fitness level,” she said.
In sharing her own experience, Roselyn said the experience was an opportunity for them to meet other referees.
“It’s a good way to get to know each other,” she remarked.
The siblings shared how their drive into this path was propelled by the inspiring actions of their father.
“One thing that inspired us a lot, for myself especially, is my father. The role that he played in the field, it inspired us a lot,” Savenakaro mentioned.
“My wish is to continue this journey as he is going to pass away or when he is not here, we’re going to continue this rugby journey.”
Her sister Roselyn shared similar sentiments.
“This is my first time to be part of the referees for the Fiji Bitter 7s in Taveuni and what inspires me is to follow what our father has left for us too,” she said. The duo officiated in the first matches of the day as referee and lineswomen.IT was a family affair for sisters Akisi Savenakoro and Roselyn Mary as they officiated as referees in the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s when it kicked off yesterday. The duo hail from the village of Tacilevu, Cakaudrove, just off the Hibiscus Highway, with maternal links to Naravuka in Seaqaqa, Macuata.
At 22-years-old, Savenakoro is a first-year student pursuing a diploma in forestry at the Fiji National University in Labasa and has joined the Cakaudrove Rugby Association.
Her sister Mary is a student at Tacilevu Secondary School and is 18-years-old. In becoming part of the large group of match officials for the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s, Savenakoro explained how they were selected.
“For us to be part of the Fiji Bitter Wairiki 7s, we used to have the appointment of the president of the Cakaudrove (Rugby Association) and the criteria that was used to select us to be part of this Fiji Bitter (7s leg) is our fitness level,” she said.
In sharing her own experience, Roselyn said the experience was an opportunity for them to meet other referees.
“It’s a good way to get to know each other,” she remarked. Roselyn shared similar sentiments.
“This is my first time to be part of the referees for the Fiji Bitter 7s in Taveuni and what inspires me is to follow what our father has left for us too,” she said.
