Tui Komiti becomes Samoa's first International Referee

October 23, 2011 - 11:02am

The Samoa Rugby Union is pleased to announce that Samoa’s top Referee, Tui Komiti,  will be making his first international refereeing debut to the 2011/2012 HSBC IRB 7’s World Series .

Komiti’s appointment to officiate at the HSBC IRB 7’s World Series is an achievement for the Samoa Rugby Union.

 

Samoa Rugby Union Chairman Hon Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi said, “Tui is the only local Referee who has the guts and brains to do what many others wish to achieve but lacks the will power and courage to try. I congratulate Tui on his success and hope that others will follow his example.”

 

Komiti says that a challenge put forward by the Prime Minister, Hon Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi to all the Samoan referees several years ago had motivated him to be the first Samoan to achieve it. “I have been working hard since I started refereeing and aiming to get to this level especially when there was no Samoan at this stage of refereeing. A challenge by our Prime Minister for a Samoan to get to this international stage really pushed me forward”

 

Komiti acknowledges with heartfelt gratitude the support from his family, friends, and colleagues especially the Samoa Rugby Union for his achievement. “I thanked the Lord for giving me the strength, and knowledge to take me further on my career. I also thanked the Samoa Rugby Union, my family and friends for their continuous support”

 

Early this year Mr Komiti officiated at the Junior World Tournament in Georgia creating pathway to where he is now. He also attended the South Pacific Games in New Caledonia, before his full official endorsement by the IRB Referee Selection committee.

 

There were 31 nominees nationwide submitted in the selection committee, twelve were shortlisted and Komiti was amongst the appointees. Tui is set to officiate 5 tournaments, including the Gold Coast Australia, Dubai, South Africa, Wellington and LA.

 

Komiti hopes to share his skills and knowledge to the younger aspirants who are keen to become referees in the future.