World Rugby confirm refereeing panel for Women’s Rugby World Cup

World Rugby has confirmed the panel of 22 Emirates Match Officials appointed to the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.

Kicking off in Sunderland on 22 August, the tournament runs through to 27 September and will feature 32 matches across England.

The panel comprises 10 referees, six assistant referees, and six Television Match Officials (TMOs), representing 12 nations.

Women’s RWC 2025 – 100 days to go trophy reveal

Women’s RWC 2025 – 100 days to go trophy reveal

Collectively, the group brings over 351 test match appearances.

The four most-capped female referees in test history – Sara Cox (England), Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Hollie Davidson (Scotland), and Aurélie Groizeleau (France) – have been selected. In total nine officials return from the 2021 edition held in New Zealand.

Twelve countries are represented across the stable of officials.

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 Rugby 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 Rugby 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.

“I would like to extend my congratulations to the 22 match officials selected for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 in England,” said Chair of the Emirates World Rugby Match Officials Selection Committee and Executive Board member, Su Carty. “They have been selected because they are the best of the best, a team that supports and encourages each other on and off the field. The journey to this point has been challenging, rewarding and the realisation of a career’s work.

“Together, we are striving to create an environment where the world’s best players can showcase the very best of our sport on the world’s biggest stage, inspiring a whole new generation to get into rugby. I know that our team will do their families, their national unions and their sport proud in a little under 100 days.”

World Rugby Women’s High Performance Referee Manager Alhambra Nievas said: “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.

“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.”

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 (New Zealand), 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).