A ‘Rosi’ referee

THE saying that rugby runs in the blood stands true for Tubou, Lakeba, Lau lass Rosi Takayawa Waqabaca.

She is far from the call that cricket is for Lauans as she runs down the sidelines of Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka during yesterday’s Fiji Bitter Malomalo 7s pool competition.

She is an assistant referee and is also a student of Ratu Navula College in Nadi.

Lakeba has produced some Fiji rugby reps, who were also captains, such as Ilisoni Taoba and Akapusi Qera.

There are other former reps such as Tiko Matawalu, also a former Nadroga Rugby Union rep and president.

But for Waqabaca, a Year 11 student, taking up rugby as a sport, came as an accident, she said.

“I always follow rugby, but did not have the interest in playing. I just watch rugby games on TV just like any other Fijian youngster, but one day my best friend invited me to accompany her to a game of touch rugby in Nadi.

“As I watched, I knew I wanted to play like other girls, so when my friend invited me, I was a bit shy at the start but one thing led to another. The next thing I knew, I was running along with other girls.

“That was the start and I am here now officiating in my first major rugby tournament as an assistant referee. It’s big, but I am confident after being encouraged by senior referees.

“It is exciting and challenging. I enjoyed it after being briefed by my uncle Mosese Kikau and my friend’s father, who is a referee, Patrick Gock.

“My uncle has been very supportive. He told me to ‘give your best, train hard and learn as much as you can. If you know your dream is to become a referee, give your best’.”

Waqabaca is part of the referees and touch judges at the

Fiji Bitter Malomalo

7s which ends today.