19/07/2026
CELEBRATING VAIBHAVI DEO! ๐ซ๐ฏโ๏ธ๐ณ๐ฟ
โHuge congratulations to one of our very own, 13-year-old Vaibhavi Deo, who was specially honoured by New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia during the All Blacks vs. Ireland Test match at Eden Park in Auckland!
โIn an unforgettable surprise arranged by NZR High Performance Referee Manager Chris Po***ck, Vaibhavi was invited from the stands to join the international match officials on the sidelines. She got to experience the national anthems and the legendary All Blacks haka right from ground level, shadowing the elite officials throughout the game to see what it takes to referee at the highest tier.
โTo top off the incredible experience, international referee Nic Berry presented Vaibhavi with a signed World Rugby Match Official jersey in recognition of her incredible dedication to the whistle.
โVaibhavi and her family extended their heartfelt appreciation to New Zealand Rugby, Rugby Australia, and Fiji Airways for making this dream trip possible, as well as acknowledging the continuous support of the Fiji Rugby Union and the Suva Rugby Referees Association in helping her develop.
โWe are incredibly proud of you, Vaibhavi! Keep chasing that dream of becoming an international tier-one referee. You are inspiring the next generation of officials in Fiji! ๐๐
Photo Credit: Dhanjay Deo
