Barrett-Theron set for big milestone as she joins SA's elite group
SPOTLIGHT: South African official Aimee Barrett-Theron will add another incredible feat to her illustrious career this weekend at the Women’s Six Nations.
Barrett-Theron will become the second woman to referee 50 Tests after England’s Sara Cox when she takes charge of the Six Nations opener between France and Italy on Saturday.
The appointment means that she will be just the fourth South African match official to take charge of 50 Tests – following Jonathan Kaplan, Craig Joubert and Jaco Peyper.
She will then travel to Kansas City in the USA for the Pacific Four Series clash between Canada and New Zealand on April 17, and Barrett-Theron will also referee the Six Nations Test between Scotland and France in Edinburgh on May 9.
“The work done by our Referees Department to uplift and upskill our women’s match officials has just been amazing,” said President of SA Rugby Mark Alexander.
“Over the years, Aimee has cemented her name as one of the top referees in the world, and to reach 50 Tests is a well-deserved accolade. We would like to congratulate her on this achievement.
Zoe Naude will also be in action at the Six Nations, while Giana Viljoen will feature in the inaugural U21 Women’s Six Nations series.
Naude refereed the first of her two Tests on September 19, 2024, when the Bok Women took on Spain at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town. She has been appointed to referee the Women’s Six Nations match between Scotland and England in Edinburgh on April 18.
Viljoen, who is part of World Rugby’s Talent ID programme, is one of seven match officials on the panel for the nine games in the inaugural U21 Women’s Six Nations, which runs from April 18 to May 10. Her appointments are for the matches on 2 May between France and Scotland in Tarbes, and 10 May, when Wales host Ireland in Caerphilly.
“Zoe and Giana are now where Aimee was many years ago and their appointments are just reward for the hard work they’ve been putting in.
“We are very proud of them and would like to wish them all the best on the missions ahead,” said Alexander.
