South Africa's Barrett-Theron lands another World Cup gig

NEWS: South Africa’s referee Aimee Barrett-Theron will be officiating at another Women’s World Cup in England later this year.

World Rugby confirmed the panel of 22 match officials appointed to the World Cup with less than 100 days to go before the global event kicks off.

World Cup 2025 kicks off in Sunderland on August 22.

The four most-capped female referees in test history have been selected in Sara Cox (England), Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Hollie Davidson (Scotland), and Aurélie Groizeleau (France), with nine of the panel having been involved in the Women’s World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.

A total of 22 match officials (10 referees, six assistant referees, and six Television Match Officials) representing 12 nations with more than 351 test appearances between them will take charge of the 32 matches from 22 August to
September 27.

Notable inclusions include Kat Roche, promoted from assistant referee in 2021 to referee in 2025, and Maria Heitor, who becomes the first official from Portugal selected for a World Cup. Precious Pazani is the first African female official from outside South Africa to be appointed to the tournament.

Sara Cox will take part in her fifth Women’s World Cup, having served as both assistant referee and referee across editions dating back to 2010. Barrett-Theron and McMenemy also featured in the 2010 tournament, in non-officiating and officiating roles, respectively.

The youngest official selected is assistant referee Jess Ling of Australia, aged 22.

Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand), Sara Cox (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland), Ella Goldsmith (Australia), Natarsha Ganley (New Zealand), Aurélie Groizeleau (France), Lauren Jenner (Italy), Clara Munarini (Italy), Kat Roche (USA).

Assistant referees: Maria Heitor (Portugal), Jess Ling (Australia), Amelia Luciano (USA), Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe, reserve referee), Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wales), Holly Wood (England).

Television Match Officials: Leo Colgan (Ireland), Rachel Horton (Australia), Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Matteo Liperini (Italy), Andrew McMenemy (Scotland), Ian Tempest (England).