World Rugby has announced the match officials for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 semi-finals in Bristol on 19-20 September.
South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron will take charge of the first semi-final between defending champions New Zealand and Canada at Ashton Gate Stadium at 19:00 (local time) on Friday, 19 September.
It will be a 49th Test in the middle for Barrett-Theron and a record 12th Women’s Rugby World Cup match as referee, surpassing the 11 of Sara Cox (England) and Nicky Inwood (New Zealand).
She also refereed Canada in the semi-finals of the last tournament in New Zealand, a 26-19 loss to England at Eden Park which denied the North Americans a second Women’s Rugby World Cup final appearance and first since 2014.
‘Pinnacle moment’
Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand) will referee the second semi-final, between France and hosts England, which kicks off at the same venue at 15:30 on Saturday, 20 September.
It will be a first semi-final for the New Zealand official, her fourth match of the tournament and her 28th Test in the middle overall.
Chair of the World Rugby Match Officials Committee, Su Carty, said: “Being chosen for a Rugby World Cup semi-final is a pinnacle moment for both players and match officials.
“It’s a remarkable achievement and a great honour.
“I wholeheartedly congratulate Aimee, Maggie, and the entire team.
“I am confident they will embrace this occasion, relish the experience, and represent our match officials with pride and distinction.”
‘Earned on merit’
World Rugby Women’s High Performance Referee Manager, Alhambra Nievas added: “I would like to congratulate Aimee and Maggie and each team of match officials for their selection, which they have earned on merit. They have the whole team behind them.
“The semi-finals are also bittersweet for us as a team as we say goodbye to a group of six incredible assistant referees as planned.
“They have been central to the work ethic, special spirit and culture of the team.
“They leave, but they are with us in our hearts, and I am sure they will grow from their RWC experience.”
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 semi-final officials:
| SF1: New Zealand v Canada Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, England Friday, 19 September |
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SARU) Assistant Referee 1: Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR) Assistant Referee 2: Ella Goldsmith (RA) TMO: Quinton Immelman (SARU) FPRO: Matteo Liperini (FIR) |
| SF2: France v England Ashton Gate Stadium, Bristol, England Saturday, 20 September |
Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr (NZR) Assistant Referee 1: Clara Munarini (FIR) Assistant Referee 2: Kat Roche (USAR) TMO: Rachel Horton (RA) FPRO: Andrew McMenemy (SRU) |
