'This is a huge step for Rugby Africa'
SPOTLIGHT: Little by little, the landscape of rugby is changing, and it is only good for the game and its growth.
At this year’s World Cup, another profound step will be taken when Zimbabwe’s Precious Pazani will become the first African female referee from outside South Africa to officiate at a Women’s World Cup.
Pazani has been selected to officiate at the 2025 Women’s World Cup in England, marking yet another remarkable milestone in her rising career.
The news has been met with wide acclaim, especially from her mentor, Mudiwa Mundawarara, Referees Manager for Rugby Africa.
The 34-year-old from Harare made history earlier this year when she became the first African referee outside South Africa to officiate a match in the Women’s Six Nations, taking charge of England’s clash with Italy in York in March.
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Now, Pazani has been named as an assistant referee and reserve referee for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, which runs from August 22 to September 27.
Veteran Zimbabwean referee and Rugby Africa Referees Manager Mundawarara hailed Pazani’s historic selection, emphasising its importance for African rugby.
“Precious has worked very hard for this, and I’m so proud of her,” Mundawarara told Rugby Africa Media.
“This is a huge step for Rugby Africa – the first of many, we hope!”
As she did in the Six Nations, Pazani again becomes the first non-South African from Africa to officiate at the Women’s Rugby World Cup – a significant marker for diversity and progress in global officiating.
Alhambra Nievas, World Rugby’s Women’s High Performance Referee Manager, praised the depth and experience of this year’s officials’ team.
“I’m proud to say that this is, without doubt, the strongest and most experienced match official team that has ever been selected for a Women’s Rugby World Cup,” said Nievas.
“Eight of the 10 referees were involved in the last tournament in New Zealand, while two of our TMOs also have previous Women’s Rugby World Cup experience. It’s exciting to have such experience alongside young and talented officials as we look to the future.”
Prior to her Six Nations debut, Pazani had voiced her aspirations of making it to the World Cup in an interview with a Zimbabwean publication.
“I would definitely love to make the cut for the World Cup this year,” she said.
“If I were to be selected, it would be a huge milestone in my career. Having seen where I started from and where I’ve gotten to, it would be amazing. It would be great for my career, a significant personal achievement, and something my country would be incredibly proud of, especially those who’ve supported me along the way.”
Pazani will be joined by two more African officials at the tournament: Aimee Barrett-Theron, one of the 10 appointed referees, and Quinton Immelman, a Television Match Official – both from South Africa – adding to the continent’s representation on the global stage.
Source: RugbyAfrica
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