Most-capped female Test referee Barrett-Theron steps away after cancer diagnosis

Aimee Barrett-Theron has stepped away from officiating with immediate effect after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 39-year-old South African officiated the June encounter between South Africa ‘A’ and Zimbabwe at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. She has since informed World Rugby and SA Rugby that she will not be available for the foreseeable future.

Barrett-Theron is the most-experienced female referee in rugby and has taken charge of 52 Test matches to date in her career.

Barrett-Theron said: “I wanted to share a personal update. I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. The good news is that it’s treatable, and I’m working with an incredible team of specialists who are fully aligned with the goal of getting me healthy and back on the field in a few months’ time.

“For now, I’ll be stepping away from refereeing while I focus on treatment and recovery. I’m approaching this the same way I would approach any high-performance environment: with the right team around me, a clear plan, honest conversations, and full commitment to the process.

“Refereeing has taught me a lot about resilience, discipline, pressure, and backing yourself when things get tough. Being South African probably helps too! I was determined to make it through the ranks as a referee and now, I’m even more determined to get through this and return to the field stronger.

“Thank you for the support, love, and understanding. I’ll share updates when I can, but for now my focus is on treatment, recovery, and getting back to doing what I love.

“I found this through a self-check, so please let this be your reminder: check yourself, listen to your body, and don’t delay getting anything unusual looked at.”

A former Springbok XVs and sevens player, Barrett-Theron was the first woman to referee a men’s fixture in South Africa and has officiated in the United Rugby Championship and Guinness Women’s Six Nations.

The 39-year-old officiated the opening fixture of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 between England’s Red Roses and the USA Women’s Eagles.

A well-respected and inspirational figure, tributes have been paid from across the world of rugby to Barrett-Theron as she prepares for treatment and recovery.

Brett Robinson, World Rugby Chair, said: “I know that I speak for the global rugby family in extending our love and support for Aimee as she begins her treatment.

“Aimee is an exemplar of the values of our sport, an exceptional role model and a wonderful person, who demonstrates a steely determination to be a top international referee. We know that she will approach her treatment in the same way.

“Match officiating is a tight family, and Aimee knows that she has the full support of everyone in the World Rugby match officiating family, and World Rugby colleagues. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing Aimee back in the middle doing what she does so brilliantly soon.”

Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union, said: “Aimee has been a resolute and focused trail-blazer on the field and we know she will approach her treatment with the same determination and single-mindedness.

“She has had to overcome many, many barriers to reach the level of refereeing she has and we know she will take this next challenge in her stride. We wish her Godspeed in her recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the field at some point in the future.”