Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025: Quarter-Final Match Officials Announced
World Rugby has confirmed the Emirates Match Official appointments for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 quarter-finals, set to take place on 13–14 September in Exeter and Bristol.
For the first time, the four most experienced female referees in test rugby history will lead the quarter-final matches:
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Sara Cox (England)
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Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
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Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa)
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Aurélie Groizeleau (France)
Quarter-Final Appointments
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New Zealand vs South Africa (Exeter, Sat 13:00 local time)
Referee: Sara Cox – officiating in her hometown, Cox will equal the record of 11 Women’s Rugby World Cup matches in the middle. -
Canada vs Australia (Bristol, Sat 16:00 local time)
Referee: Hollie Davidson – taking charge of her 45th test after an impressive tournament so far. -
France vs Ireland (Exeter, Sun 13:00 local time)
Referee: Aimee Barrett-Theron – officiating her 48th test. This match will also see Ian Tempest (England) reach a milestone of 50 tests as a Television Match Official (TMO). -
England vs Scotland (Bristol, Sun 16:00 local time)
Referee: Aurélie Groizeleau – her first time refereeing a Women’s Rugby World Cup knockout match, marking her 43rd test.
Praise for Match Officials
Su Carty, Chair of the World Rugby Emirates Match Officials Selection Committee, commended the team, highlighting their professionalism and positive influence during the pool stage.
World Rugby Women’s High Performance Referee Manager, Alhambra Nievas, added that the appointments reflect the high level of consistency and dedication across the officiating group, calling it a “true team effort.”
Looking Ahead
With the pool phase complete, all eyes now turn to the knockout stage, where the appointed referees, assistant referees, and TMOs will continue to play a key role in ensuring fair play and delivering a world-class rugby experience.
