Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo,Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN referee Precious Pazani has been selected to officiate at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, becoming the first African referee from outside South Africa to be appointed for the global showpiece.
Pazani was named as one of the six assistant referees announced by World Rugby on Thursday, marking yet another remarkable milestone in her career.
She is one of the three African officials set to take part in the tournament. The other two, Aimee Barrett-Theron (referee) and Quinton Immelman (TMO) are both from South Africa.
Mudiwa Mundawarara, the Referees Manager for Rugby Africa hailed Pazani’s historic selection.
“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,” Mundawarara told Rugby Africa Media.
The 34-year-old Pazani 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.
The World Cup is scheduled for August 22 to September 27.
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 (Scotland), Clara Munarini (Italy), Natarsha Ganley (New Zealand), 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), Ian Tempest (England).
