South African Officials Represented in WXV Series

Three South African match officials received appointments for the upcoming WXV Global Series, with Giana Viljoen set to make her Test debut. Zoe Naude will serve as the referee for four Tests during the tournament. World Rugby announced the appointments for the WXV Global Series and WXV Global Series Challenger presented by Mitsubishi Electric, scheduled for September and October.

Naude's officiating assignments include a notable match between the Springbok Women and New Zealand’s Black Ferns, which is part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry presented by Castle Double Malt next month. Viljoen will referee her first Test in the WXV Challenger Series in Hong Kong in September, overseeing the match between Fiji and Hong Kong China. Additionally, Quiton Immelman has been designated as the Television Match Official for the series.

Naude's other appointments involve refereeing the Tests between Italy and Japan in Pordenone, followed by the clashes between USA and Italy in Nashville, Tennessee, and the USA and England in Harrison, New Jersey.

Aimee Barrett-Theron, a record-breaking Test match referee, announced her decision to step away from officiating to focus on health-related treatment. The Springbok Women’s Tests will see officiating by Ella Goldsmith against Wales in Cardiff on 18 September, Holly Wood against Italy in Pordenone on 26 September, Bérénice Loubet against Spain in Seville on 4 October, and Jess Ling against Ireland in Cape Town on 24 and 31 October.

Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby, expressed enthusiasm over the international recognition for women match officials, noting that "Zoe has significant Test appointments ahead" and praising Viljoen and Angie for their rising status within the ranks. He affirmed that Immelman is among the most experienced TMOs and expected all officials to represent SA Rugby with pride on the international stage. Oberholzer also conveyed support for Barrett-Theron during her break, asserting confidence in her return to enhance her legacy as one of the world’s leading referees.