13-year-old aspiring rugby referee Vaibhavi Deo has returned from New Zealand with memories to last a lifetime after being surprised with an extraordinary behind-the-scenes experience at the All Blacks vs Ireland Test at Eden Park.

What began as a father-daughter bucket-list trip to watch their first-ever All Blacks Test Match together turned into an unforgettable opportunity for the young Fijian official, thanks to a special programme secretly arranged by New Zealand Rugby.

Just minutes before kick-off, Vaibhavi was unexpectedly escorted from her seat and invited pitch-side to join the elite match officials. From ground level, she witnessed the teams’ arrival, the national anthems, and the iconic All Blacks haka, while also observing the preparation and professionalism required at the highest level of rugby officiating.

The surprise was coordinated by New Zealand Rugby High Performance Referee Manager Chris Pollock, who worked with Vaibhavi’s father, Dhanjay Deo, to keep the experience a secret for two weeks.

Adding to the occasion, Rugby Australia recognised Vaibhavi’s dedication to refereeing, with Test referee Nic Berry presenting her with a signed World Rugby Match Official jersey after the match. Rugby Australia also expressed its intention to stay connected and support her development as she pursues her dream of becoming a Tier One international referee.

Vaibhavi said the experience was the “biggest surprise” of her life and has strengthened her determination to reach the highest levels of the game.

The trip was made possible with support from Fiji Airways, while the Deo family, Suva Rugby Referees Association, and Fiji Rugby Union have thanked New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia for helping inspire one of Fiji’s most promising young match officials.

“This experience has shown me that no dream is too big. One day, I hope I can return to Eden Park as a referee,” Vaibhavi said.

Reflecting on the experience, Vaibhavi’s father, Dhanjay Deo said New Zealand Rugby’s generosity had left the family deeply touched.

“Our dream was simply to travel together as father and daughter and watch our first All Blacks Test Match at Eden Park. That alone would have made the trip unforgettable. What New Zealand Rugby and Rugby Australia did for Vaibhavi went far beyond anything we could have imagined.”

“Two weeks before the match, Chris Pollock contacted me to say that New Zealand Rugby wanted to create a special experience for Vaibhavi. He asked me to keep it completely secret so it would be a genuine surprise. For two weeks we carried that secret, never imagining the incredible opportunity that awaited her.”

“Watching Vaibhavi walk onto the sideline with the match officials before such an iconic Test Match was an emotional moment for our family. As a father, seeing your child recognised in this way by two of the world’s leading rugby unions is something that is difficult to put into words.”