Fiji referee James Bolabiu has caused a stir in his home country by winning a public vote to scoop the Sports Personality of the Year Award.
Bolabiu, a regular on the IRB Sevens World Series, beat off the challenge of golf superstar Vijay Singh, national team Sevens coach Iliesa Tanivula, rugby league coach Jo Babele and junior sprinter Manueli Tulo.
"I'm so excited, very happy, it's a massive achievement for me and especially while I'm here at the World Cup," said Bolabiu before taking the field to referee the third Cup quarter final in Dubai between South Africa and Argentina.
"Vijay Singh is very famous in Fiji and being a referee to achieve this award, I think it's great news for rugby union and a great boost for promoting refereeing in Fiji.
"Being a young man I feel like I'm being a good role model to the young people in Fiji and to win the award is a bonus and an honour.
A boost for refereeing
"If you go to schools in Fiji I've been amazed that many young kids, as well as playing rugby have also said 'I want to be a referee', so that's been really good news.
"If they can't end up wearing the national team jersey they can wear a referee jersey and be part of the game.
"I want to thank God and the IRB for the opportunity and also the Fiji Rugby Union and my family."
IRB Referee Manager Paddy O'Brien has been a supporter of Bolabiu ever since he officiated at the Under 19 World Championship in Belfast. He fast-tracked the Fijian onto the Sevens scene, where he has been a regular fixture.
"It's absolutely fantastic, we've obviously put a lot of investment into James, he's put a lot of work in and been on the circuit for a couple of years and is a really exciting talent," said O'Brien.
"To lift the profile of refereeing we've been joking this morning about him beating Vijay Singh! It's great and it couldn't happen to a nicer bloke as well."
