Local referees should stand their ground - Waqa

World Rugby Regional Training Manager for Oceania Talemo Waqa believes the local referees should stand their ground and have confidence when they officiate a rugby match in Fiji.

Waqa says all rugby coaches should ensure that their players know the rules.

He says most of the local referees have the World Rugby referees’ knowledge and skills but some of them are afraid of the spectators.

Waqa adds that addressing discipline in Fiji needs a collective approach between the match officials, spectators and players.

In addressing this, Waqa says they will also conduct a Citing Commissioner Workshop.

He says security of referees in every game is also an issue.

This year, a lot of questions have been raised on the ill-discipline of the Fiji Airways Drua players.

Coach Senirusi Seruvakula earlier told Fijivillage that local referees play a vital role in developing the mindset of local players in knowing all the rugby rules.

Meanwhile, Waqa is facilitating a World Rugby Match Official 7s Course and Performance Reviewer Course to upskill Fiji Rugby Union Provincial referees and referees educators.

The course has started this morning at FASANOC and will end on Thursday with 12 local Referees and Assistant Referees and 4 Referee Performance Reviewers and Educators participating.

The Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou officially launched the workshop this morning and believes this will help grow local rugby players and officials.