On Saturday, Aimee Barrett-Theron, a trailblazing South African referee, will step onto the pitch at Allianz Stadium in London, making history as the first female match official to oversee 40 rugby Tests. This milestone comes as Barrett-Theron prepares to officiate England’s final WXV 1 warm-up match against New Zealand. It’s a moment of reflection for Barrett-Theron, who may also glance at the stadium’s stands to spot her twin brother before blowing the whistle.
Barrett-Theron’s achievements in rugby officiating are numerous. She was the first woman to officiate matches in competitions such as the Carling Currie Cup, Super Rugby, and the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. This upcoming Test in Twickenham holds added significance, as her friend and fellow referee, Sara Cox, will join her in the 40-Test club just six days later. Sharing this achievement with Cox makes the occasion even more special for Barrett-Theron, who said to World Rugby, “We’ve come through the ranks together… it’s just so, so special to share it with her.”
Barrett-Theron and Cox first worked together in April 2016 at the HSBC USA Women’s Sevens in Atlanta. Since then, they have maintained a supportive and collaborative relationship, regularly communicating via video calls and chats. Barrett-Theron emphasized that there is no rivalry between them, as both are navigating the male-dominated worlds of rugby officiating in their respective countries. They have shared many memorable experiences throughout their careers.
The women’s rugby scene has seen significant growth in recent years, with record-breaking national attendance numbers worldwide. On Saturday, organizers expect around 40,000 to 50,000 fans at Allianz Stadium, reflecting the sport’s increasing popularity. Barrett-Theron has had a close view of this evolution, having competed in the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England and officiated in the 2017 and 2022 tournaments. She also experienced the large crowd at Twickenham last April, where she officiated a match watched by a record 58,498 spectators.
Reflecting on her career, Barrett-Theron mentioned that she always had big dreams and didn’t view her gender as a barrier in rugby. She aspired to compete at the World Cup, drawing inspiration from watching the men’s tournaments. Since her debut on the World Rugby Sevens Series circuit in 2016, she has achieved several milestones, including officiating at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, which was a career highlight. Barrett-Theron hopes to continue pursuing more opportunities, including a return to England and potentially officiating at Allianz Stadium next year.
Barrett-Theron credits her success to rigorous preparation, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental preparation, as well as adapting to different team styles. Being a professional rugby referee allows her to dedicate time to these preparations and review her performances. Watching herself on camera can be challenging, but she views it as a crucial part of growth. She stresses the importance of resilience and determination in navigating the pressures of officiating, where results are scrutinized and the spotlight is often on the referee.
She aims to be seen as a relatable, confident official who uses her “rugby brain” rather than adhering strictly to technicality. Barrett-Theron believes in creating an environment where players can perform their best. Her admiration for the athletes is evident, as she remains a “fan girl” at heart, and she hopes this passion is reflected in her officiating.
For those starting their journey in refereeing, Barrett-Theron advises laying a strong foundation, which includes physical training to meet the sport’s fitness standards. She stresses the importance of watching rugby not just as a fan but from the perspective of a referee, paying attention to how officials move and signal on the field. She recalls the challenges of mastering these signals early in her career, including practicing them in front of a mirror to get them right.
Another piece of advice she offers is to avoid striving for perfection. Mistakes are inevitable and serve as valuable learning experiences. Barrett-Theron acknowledges that it can be daunting for referees to admit errors, fearing backlash. However, she encourages a mindset where officials can acknowledge mistakes and move forward, reducing the pressure and allowing more freedom in their role.
Barrett-Theron’s approach and mindset have helped her navigate and excel in the world of rugby officiating, making her one of the most respected referees in the sport.
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