Twenty-two-year-old rugby official Hani Isamaeli of Letui, Savaii believes her selection for the Oceania 7s next month is her chance to shine. 

She is one of the three officials from Samoa travelling to the Solomon Islands for the Oceania 7s.

She said she was an athlete and loved playing any sports but her favourite would be athletics. She is the sixth child out of the seven siblings. She left her family in 2020 when she passed her national examinations and made it to the National University of Samoa. 

"The year I was blessed to attend UPY was the same year I entered the referee family. I actually entered the referee career because of my older brother Posi Isamaeli. He always drags me to training every evening and I became interested in the field and wanted to serve as a referee," she said.

"From then on, I was always at the rugby field for training from Monday to Friday. Even attended clinics or sessions to prepare for an upcoming tournament. Everything went well, I was very drawn to the referee career and felt that urge to pursue it. Here I am, doing what I love to do." 

She started from the technical zone as a sub-controller, then moved on to being a touch judge. In 2022 she was given the whistle to officiate her first rugby match for the Under 14 divisions.

"I was a bit nervous but I knew I worked hard for it. So I did it. In 2023, I was given an opportunity to officiate matches for secondary school in the Under 16 and Under 18, the women's division and the open divisions. 

"Not only that, but I also did Senior A for men. I am now continuing my service because I know I have a goal to achieve. God has blessed me with international tournaments. My first Oceania Women's Championship was in Brisbane, Australia early this year. And now I am blessed again with the Oceania Rugby 7s in Honiara, Solomon Islands, which I'm preparing for."

There are a few challenges that come with being a referee. She needs to be brave, confident and patient with her calling.

"Stay focused and always have that balanced diet. Train hard, and as the saying goes healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Continue building relationships with other match officials to gain more experience to develop my talent and career. Always put 110 per cent in all that you do, and keep learning, keep developing, and keep going. 

"Don't give up easily, this is our time to shine so that other females can join this career path. Hopefully, the number of females will match the number of males in this career."

Hani is currently working at the Ministry of Justice and Courts Administration as a human resources officer.