Two Female Referees Join World Rugby Level 2 Match Official Course in Fiji

August 10, 2025

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08 August 2025, Apia Samoa – Lakapi Samoa proudly announces the participation of two female match officials in the World Rugby Level 2 Match Official Course held in Suva, Fiji.

Accompanying them is Lakapi Samoa’s Match Official Development Officer, Faavae Neru.

Upon completion of the course, the referees will remain in Fiji to engage with the Fiji Rugby Union as part of a newly established Exchange Program between the two unions.

This initiative is designed to strengthen the capacity of Samoan referees, equipping them to officiate at a world-class level while promoting excellence, professionalism, and confidence on the field.

This program is a significant milestone in Lakapi Samoa’s ongoing commitment to enhancing women’s involvement in rugby and creating a more inclusive and diverse sporting environment.

The exchange has been made possible through the generous support of Fiji Rugby and Oceania Rugby’s Rise Rugby Fund.

Lakapi Samoa sincerely acknowledges the financial backing from Oceania Rugby, which has enabled the participation of these emerging female referees in both the training and exchange components.

Lakapi Samoa CEO, Seumanu Douglas Ngau Chun said, he is excited to see our female match officials embrace new challenges and opportunities in rugby.

“This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to empowering women and girls in Samoa, and it reinforces our belief that rugby is a sport for all..

“We are especially grateful to Fiji Rugby Union’s Acting CEO, Koli Sewabu,
for endorsing this partnership, and to Oceania Rugby’s Rise Rugby Fund for the financial assistance that has made this pathway possible for our two match officials..

“We wish them every success as they embark on this exciting journey and look forward to the positive impact this experience will have on the growth of rugby officiating in Samoa.”

Participant Profiles
Faavae Neru
Faavae Neru serves as Lakapi Samoa’s Match Official Development Officer. She holds multiple World Rugby
accreditations, including:
● Match Official Level 3
● Community Match Official Level 2
● Match Official Educator

Crystal Tofiga
Aged 22, from Vaitele Uta and Utualii, Crystal holds a Level 1 Match Official accreditation. She is actively officiating
in both the School Championship and the National Provincial Championship (NPC).

Hani Samaeli
Aged 23, from Letui and Auala, Hani is also a Level 1 accredited Match Official. She has already been appointed by Oceania Rugby to officiate at the Oceania 7s in Honiara and the Oceania Women’s 15s in Fiji in 2025. She currently works as an Administration Officer at the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration.

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