Record number of women on SA Rugby referee panel
Five women have been included on the national match official panel for 2024, announced by SA Rugby this week.
According to SA Rugby, the national match official panel for 2024 will have five women, the highest number ever.
The roster of women on the national panel is headed by Aimee Barrett-Theron, the 2021 and 2022 Outsurance Referee of the Year.
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She is accompanied by Ashley Murray-Pretorius, Sinesipho Foloti, Giana Viljoen, and recently promoted Zoe Naude, who all have the potential to be appointed at the Currie Cup level.
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SA RUGBY REFEREE PANEL FEATURES WOMEN PROMINENTLY
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Lilitha Kalawe and Andiswa Mbilase were appointed to the Women’s Panel, while Aeon van Zyl and Daniel Canhenga, two male referees, were elevated from the Academy Panel to the National Panel.
“Our match officials performed well in 2023 and as such, we’ve not had too much movement on the panels, but it’s great to see our women’s representation increasing, and I would like to especially congratulate Zoe, Eon, Daniel, Lilitha and Andiswa on their promotions this year,” said Banks Yantolo, SA Rugby Referees Manager, following the department’s annual selection and grading meetings.
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BEARING FRUIT
“Our identification programmes in the provincial unions are bearing fruit as we continue to work hard with potential top-level match officials with intensive coaching and enhancement. We have an exciting generation of younger referees who are pushing through the ranks, which bodes well for the future.”
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SA RUGBY MATCH OFFICIAL PANELS FOR 2024
National Panel
Christopher Allison, Aimee Barrett-Theron, Johre Botha, Daniel Canhenga, Hernus Coetzee, Griffin Colby, JD de Meyer, Morne Ferreira, Sinesipho Foloti, Stephan Geldenhuys, AJ Jacobs, Cwengile Jadezweni, Jonathan Lottering, Zukile Madikizela, Lulutho Matomela, Phumzile Mbewu, Ruhan Meiring, Paul Mente, Sean Muller, Ashleigh Murray-Pretorius, Zoe Naude, Dylen November, Jaco Peyper, Marius van der Westhuizen, Hanru van Rooyen, Eon van Zyl, Giana Viljoen.
Women’s Panel
Angelic Bezuidenhout, Cameron Dyers, Aneka Fick, Yohane Halgryn, Lilitha Kalawe, Andiswa Mbilase, Siyanda Pikoli, Bulela Qwane.
TMO Panel
Ben Crouse, Christie du Preez, Quinton Immelman, Marius Jonker, Archie Sehlako, Egon Seconds.