South African Rugby has announced that their national match official panel for 2024 will include five women, making a groundbreaking shift towards achieving a balanced representation regardless of gender. Aimee BarrettTheron is at the forefront of this change, having won two Outsurance Referee of the Year awards and breaking gender norms in the sport. SA Rugby’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity is reflected in these appointments and promises a bright future for rugby officiating. The successful results of identification programmes run by provincial unions have given rise to an invigorating generation of younger referees making their way through the ranks.
