Pazani: Zim rugby’s shining star

Precious Pazani last week made history when she was selected as one of the assistant referees for the global show-piece which will be held in England from August 22 to September 27. She was also named as a reserve referee.

Brandon Moyo-Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWEAN rugby referee Precious Pazani says making it into the panel for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup will have a positive impact for the game in the country.

Pazani last week made history when she was selected as one of the assistant referees for the global show-piece which will be held in England from August 22 to September 27. She was also named as a reserve referee.

“It would be big for me if I make it to the women’s referee World Cup panel. It has always been one of my dreams and making it would be a really huge milestone for me, and it would mean a lot even for people back home, people who have been helping me, giving me input and insight,” said Pazani.

“I do realise that being part of the World Cup could do for the nation. It means they also have someone who is also quite knowledgeable about the game and just going back home and helping with things like laws.

“You see some teams playing . . . you can see that there is talent, but there is no law knowledge, so that would be helpful for me and for them as well when I go back and share the information.

“And, just being part of the centre stage of such great rugby means there is a lot to give back at home.”

The 34-year-old made history earlier this year when she became the first African referee outside South Africa to officiate a match in the Women’s Six Nations, taking charge of England’s clash with Italy in York in March.

Now, Pazani has been named as assistant referee and reserve referee for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, becoming the first non-South African from Africa to officiate at the Women’s Rugby World Cup — a significant marker for diversity and progress in global officiating.

Veteran Zimbabwean referee and Rugby Africa Referees Manager Mundawarara hailed Pazani’s historic selection, emphasising its importance for African rugby.

“Precious has worked very hard for this, and I’m so proud of her. This is a huge step for Rugby Africa — the first of many, we hope,” said Mundawarara.

Pazani will be joined by two more African officials at the tournament: Aimee Barrett-Theron, one of the 10 appointed referees, and Quinton Immelman, a Television Match Official — both from South Africa — adding to the continent’s representation on the global stage.

2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Match Officials:

Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Ella Goldsmith (Australia), Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand), Aurelie Groizeleau (France), Sara Cox (England), Lauren Jenner (Italy), Hollie Davidson (Scot-land), Clara Munarini (Italy), Natarsha Ganley (New Zealand), and Kat Roche (USA).

Assistant Referees: Maria Heitor (Portugal), Jess Ling (Australia), Amelia Luciano (USA), Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe), Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wales), Holly Wood (England).

Television Match Officials: Leon Golgan (Ireland), Rachel Horton (Australia), Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Matteo Liperini (Italy), Andrew McMenemy (Scotland), and Ian Tempest (England).