Whistle in Hand, Heart on the Field: Meresiana’s Brave Journey in Fijian Rugby

At just 25 years old, Meresiana Savenaca has already etched her name into the heart of Fijian rugby — not as a player, but as one of the few women brave enough to take the whistle and command the game from the centre of the field.

Ms Savenaca recently officiated the test match between Manusina and Tonga in the Oceania Women’s Championship. She has also earned her first international appointment as an Assistant Referee for the Australia A vs. Manusina match, scheduled for June 28 at Viking Park in Canberra.

Raised in Vativa Village, Savusavu, she first discovered rugby during her time at St Bede’s College. It was her PE teacher, originally from Nadroga, who introduced her to refereeing — and what began as a curiosity soon became a calling. Since 2017, she’s been officiating local club matches, navigating criticism, stereotypes, and moments of deep self-doubt — especially early on.

She’s the cousin of Olympians and former 7s captain Rusila Nagasau and Ana Roqica.

“I still remember my first match. I was refereeing an under-21 boys’ game at the Deketi 7s tournament. I stood there; hearing things shouted at me — things I’d never even heard at home. It almost broke me. I told my coach that would be my last match.”

But it wasn’t.

What kept her going? Her father’s words: “If there’s no pain, there’s no gain.” That, and the quiet strength passed down from her family, her village, and her children.

Today, Ms Savenaca stands tall — not only as a referee but also as a proud single mother of two young children. She credits her parents and six siblings for supporting her dream, often caring for her kids while she travels across Fiji to officiate in top-tier competitions.

“It’s not easy. I leave home and miss my babies. But I keep going because of them. They’re my motivation. I want them to know that no matter how hard life gets, you can push through.”

Balancing motherhood, emotions, and performance on the field is a challenge few truly understand. Yet, for Ms Savenaca, rugby has become an outlet — her form of therapy.

“Before every match, I remind myself: whatever I’m carrying — stress, heartbreak, family struggles — it all stays off the field. Once I’m on, it’s about doing what I love.”

She’s faced her share of criticism, especially as a woman officiating men’s matches, but she uses that doubt as fuel.

“People say women can’t referee men’s games. But if we have the knowledge, the fitness, and the courage — why not? We just need the opportunity.”

Ms Savenaca isn’t just changing perceptions — she’s paving the way for the next generation of young girls who may never have imagined a future holding the whistle. Her message to them?

“Don’t let doubt hold you back. This is a beautiful career — it builds confidence, takes you to places you’ve never been, and connects you to a second family. If I can do it, you can too.”

She draws inspiration from mentors like Lavenia Racaca, a fellow female referee who shares similar struggles and helps guide her through the highs and lows of officiating. Through rugby, she’s found not only a career but a sense of community, growth, and purpose.

If given the chance to lead Fiji Rugby’s officiating panel, she says:

“I’d fight for women to be given equal chances — to referee men’s games, to be seen as equals. We’re ready. We just need the door to be opened.”

From being the only female referee in her village to officiating national matches and inspiring others, Ms Savenaca’s journey is a powerful reminder that rugby isn’t just about who scores the tries — it’s about heart, courage, and rising above every challenge.

Vinaka vakalevu, Ms Savenaca — for being more than a referee. For being a fighter, a mother, and a leader in the making.