Zimbabwe's Pazani Breaks New Ground at 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup

Zimbabwe’s Precious Pazani makes history as the first African female referee from outside South Africa to officiate at a Women’s Rugby World Cup.

HARARE, Zimbabwe– Zimbabwean refereePrecious Pazanihas been selected to officiate at the 2025Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, marking yet another remarkable milestone in her rising career. The news has been met with wide acclaim, especially from her mentorMudiwa Mundawarara, Referees Manager forRugby Africa.

The 34-year-old from Harare made history earlier this year when she became thefirst African referee outside South Africato officiate a match in theWomen’s Six Nations, taking charge ofEngland’s clash with Italyin York in March.

Now, Pazani has been named as assistant referee and reserve referee for the upcoming Women’s Rugby World Cup, which runs from 22 August to 27 September. On Thursday, World Rugby announced a panel comprising 10 referees, six assistant referees, and six television match officials (TMOs) for the tournament.

Veteran Zimbabwean referee and Rugby Africa Referees Manager Mundawarara hailed Pazani’s historic selection, emphasizing its importance for African rugby.

“Precious has worked very hard for this, and I’m so proud of her,” Mundawarara told Rugby Africa Media.

“This is a huge step for Rugby Africa – the first of many, we hope!”

As she did in the Six Nations, Pazani again becomes the first non-South African from Africa to officiate at Women’s Rugby World Cup – a significant marker for diversity and progress in global officiating.

Alhambra Nievas, World Rugby’s Women’s High Performance Referee Manager, praised the depth and experience of this year’s officials’ team.

“I’m proud to say that this is, without doubt, the strongest and most experienced match official team that has ever been selected for a Women’s Rugby World Cup,” said Nievas.

“Eight of the 10 referees were involved in the last tournament in New Zealand, while two of our TMOs also have previous Women’s Rugby World Cup experience. It’s exciting to have such experience alongside young and talented officials as we look to the future.”

Prior to her Six Nations debut, Pazani had voiced her aspirations of making it to the World Cup in an interview with a Zimbabwean publication.

“I would definitely love to make the cut for the World Cup this year,” she said.

“If I were to be selected, it would be a huge milestone in my career. Having seen where I started from and where I’ve gotten to, it would be amazing. It would be great for my career, a significant personal achievement, and something my country would be incredibly proud of, especially those who’ve supported me along the way.”

Pazani will be joined by two more African officials at the tournament: Aimee Barrett-Theron, one of the 10 appointed referees, and Quinton Immelman, a Television Match Official – both from South Africa – adding to the continent’s representation on the global stage.

To AccessOfficial World Rugby Release: Click Here

2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup Match Officials

Referees:

• Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
• Maggie Cogger-Orr (New Zealand)
• Sara Cox (England)
• Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
• Ella Goldsmith (Australia)
• Natarsha Ganley (New Zealand)
• Aurélie Groizeleau (France)
• Lauren Jenner (New Zealand)
• Clara Munarini (Italy)
• Kat Roche (USA)

Assistant Referees:

• Maria Heitor (Portugal)
• Jess Ling (Australia)
• Amelia Luciano (USA)
• Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe – reserve referee)
• Amber Stamp-Dunstan (Wales)
• Holly Wood (England)

Television Match Officials:

• Leo Colgan (Ireland)
• Rachel Horton (Australia)
• Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
• Matteo Liperini (Italy)
• Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)
• Ian Tempest (England