South Africa's Aimee Barrett-Theron to referee opening match of Women's RWC 2025
By
SABC Sport
9th July 2025
The opening match of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 between hosts England and the USA will be officiated by South Africa's Aimee Barrett-Theron.
The global showpiece kicks off at Stadium of Light in Sunderland on 22 August.
With excitement building around the world as the countdown hits 44 days to go, World Rugby has announced the Emirates Match Official appointments for the 24 matches that make up the pool stage of what promises to be the biggest and best-ever Women's Rugby World Cup.
In May, a team of 22 Emirates Match Officials (10 referees, six assistant referees and six Television Match Officials) were selected for the showcase event in England, which runs from 22 August to 27 September across eight host locations.
It will be the second time that the South African official has been handed the honour of refereeing the opening match, having also taken charge of England's encounter with Spain at Women's Rugby World Cup 2017 in Ireland.
A significant milestone will be reached on the last day of the pool stage on 7 September with Sara Cox (England) to become the first female to referee 50 test matches when she takes charge of Japan v Spain at York Community Stadium in York.
Clara Munarini (Italy) will be in the middle for the final match of the pool stage later that day, the Pool D meeting between France and South Africa at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton.
Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 panel
Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand), Sara Cox (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland), Ella Goldsmith (Australia), Natarsha Ganley (New Zealand), Aurelie 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).
