Bolabiu gets World Sevens Series appointment 21 October, 2011

James Bolabiu lays down the law during a Digicel Cup encounter.

Referee James Bolabiu continues to fly the flag for Fiji on the international scene with his appointment earlier this month by the International Rugby Board to five tournaments in the 2011-12 HSBC World Sevens Series. 

“I’m looking forward to the task at hand and I’m also really focused on the job, so I should make sure I go out there and do the job to the best of my ability,” Bolabiu said. 

Bolabiu’s appointment comes after a long break from the international scene where he was using his talents to focus on the game locally. 

“I’ve been helping our local boys promoting the referees and developing them to where they are right now and hopefully we’ll get some new and better referees in the future in our local tournaments.” 

While officiating locally can often be a rigorous test for any young referee, Bolabiu believes the challenge of officiating internationally is always the pinnacle for any referee. 

“It is the highest level of competition in the sevens scene, that’s where all the top referees in the world will be, it’s a great opportunity to mingle around with them and at the same time we learn from each other.” 

For anyone wanting to take up the challenge of match officiating, the Kadavu native has this advice. 

“Just keep working hard, be dedicated and do your job to the best of your ability.” 

Bolabiu will officiate in the first five tournaments of the HSBC World Sevens Series and they are: Gold Coast (Australia), Dubai (UAE), Port Elizabeth (South Africa), Wellington (New Zealand) and Las Vegas (USA). 

View the full interview with James Bolabiu