- All-female referee team
- 18-strong team of match officials selected from 11 unions
- Six referees RWC rookies
- Kick off in New Zealand on 8 October
World Rugby has revealed the 18-strong team of match officials for Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 22) which will be whistled by an all-female team of referees.
The team that will officiate the 26 matches comprises nine referees, five assistant referees and four television match officials (TMOs), selected from 11 different unions.
The selection group have looked across match official performances over the last four international windows and features a blend of youth and experience. Sara Cox will be at her 4th world cup (2nd as a referee) with Joy Neville and Aimee Barrett-Theron at their second tournaments.
An assistant referee in 2017, this will be Scotland’s Hollie Davidson’s first Rugby World Cup with the whistle. She is joined in Team Rookie, by Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZ), Aurélie Groizeleau (Fra), Lauren Jenner (NZ), Clara Munarini (Ita) and Amber McLachlan (Aus).
In the TMO truck, Lee Jeffrey is the sole female among the four TMOs, also making her Rugby World Cup debut. She is joined by Ben Whitehouse, Chris Assmus and Ian Tempest.
World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, said, “I would like to congratulate the 18 match officials selected to officiate Rugby World Cup 2021. Rugby World Cup is the pinnacle event in 15s rugby and to earn selection – whether you’re a player or a match official – is a huge achievement and something to be extremely proud of.
“These appointments demonstrate the strength and depth of elite level match officials across the globe, but also the commitment that World Rugby and its member unions have made to developing women in rugby and increasing the visibility of females within our sport across multiple pathways.
“Rugby World Cup 2021 promises to be an exceptional celebration of women’s rugby and we wish the team of match officials the very best for their final months of preparation.”
World Rugby Referee Talent Development Manager, Alhambra Nievas (pic right in her refereeing days), added, “After a comprehensive process we are delighted to be able to confirm the team of match officials for Rugby World Cup 2021. Selection followed a rigorous process that was based on merit and form, and with such strength and depth in the pool of match officials we are fortunate to work with, selecting a final team of 18 was not easy. I’d like to personally congratulate everyone on their selection and thank all of those involved in the process.
“We have been working hard to foster a strong team ethic among the group; something that is just as important for match officials as it is for players. Trust and cohesion are vital, and we look forward to seeing the hard work pay off on the field of play in New Zealand.”
After a year’s delay, Rugby World Cup will kick off at Auckland’s Eden Park on 8 October 2022. The final is on 12 November, also at Eden Park.
RWC 2021 match officials team:
Referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand), Sara Cox (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland), Aurélie Groizeleau (France), Lauren Jenner (New Zealand), Clara Munarini (Italy), Amber McLachlan (Australia), Joy Neville (Ireland).
Assistant referees: Doriane Domenjo (France), Tyler Miller (Australia), Nikki O’Donnell (England), Kat Roche (USA), Julianne Zussman (Canada)
TMOs: Chris Assmus (Canada), Lee Jeffrey (New Zealand), Ian Tempest (England), Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
