The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 continues to inspire reflections on past tournaments. Including one of the most iconic moments from 2017. In that year, former Ireland international and team captain Joy Neville was handed the honour of refereeing. The final of the tournament, a significant milestone both for her career and for women’s officiating in rugby.
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The highly anticipated clash between the New Zealand Black Ferns and the England Roses was staged on Saturday, August 26. In Belfast, drawing global attention. Neville’s appointment to such a prestigious fixture underscored her exceptional rise in the refereeing ranks following a notable playing career. It was also a historic moment for Irish rugby, showcasing the increasing recognition. And trust in female officials at the very highest level of the sport.
Referee Team Announced Ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Countdown to Sevens
As the excitement builds towards the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. World Rugby took a significant step during the build-up to the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 by naming a high-calibre group of referees for both the men’s and women’s tournaments. A total of 19 match officials from 14 different nations were selected to oversee the action in San Francisco. This diverse and talented group was tasked with managing 84 matches during the high-stakes three-day event from July 20 to 22. A major global spectacle that not only featured some of the best seven teams but also laid a foundation. For the growing professionalism of officiating ahead of events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Elite Female Referees Feature Prominently Ahead of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Spotlight
The 16-team women’s event at the 2018 Sevens World Cup involved 32 matches and was officiated by a strong group of nine referees. The panel included standout names such as Alhambra Nievas (Spain). Joy Neville (Ireland), Sara Cox (England), and Hollie Davidson (Scotland), among others. Their inclusion reflected World Rugby’s commitment to supporting and elevating elite female referees. Especially in preparation for major global tournaments such as the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Where experience and visibility in past competitions will undoubtedly play a vital role. Read Also, Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 officiating

Honours and Experience Shape the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Officiating Core
A number of referees in this group brought significant accolades and experience to their roles. Joy Neville, for instance, had been crowned World Rugby’s Referee of the Year the previous season. An honour that placed her among the elite officials in the sport. Alhambra Nievas and Rasta Rasivhenge also added prestige to the officiating group. Having taken charge of the men’s and women’s gold medal matches at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Such distinguished backgrounds contribute meaningfully to raising the standard of officiating. Ahead of top-tier events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Referees with Dual Careers Boost Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Credentials
One of the standout stories within the officiating team was Rebecca Mahoney of New Zealand. A dual Women’s Rugby World Cup winner as a player before transitioning into a referee. Her presence highlights a growing trend of former elite players moving into officiating. Providing deep tactical insight and leadership under pressure. With more such transitions happening across the sport. The pool of knowledgeable and seasoned referees for future events like the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 is becoming stronger and more diverse.
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Speed and Skill Blend into the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Refereeing Pathway
The group also included individuals who had made their mark as athletes before transitioning to officiating. Richard Haughton of England, known for his pace and flair. It had earned a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. While Damon Murphy represented Australia in the same Games, narrowly missing out on a medal. Their sporting background is a testament to the type of high-performance mindset. That World Rugby is cultivating among referees in anticipation of top-tier events. Including the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025.
Preparing the Global Stage for Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Excellence
The Rugby World Cup Sevens 2018 in San Francisco proved to be more than just a thrilling tournament. It served as a key development platform for referees who will be instrumental in the years to come. With just under 100 days to go before that event. World Rugby had already shown its commitment to referee excellence, diversity, and preparation. That same energy and strategic vision are now focused squarely on the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Where a blend of experience, emerging talent. And global representation promises to raise the standard of the women’s game even further.
Paddy O’Brien Highlights the Importance of the Tournament
Paddy O’Brien, World Rugby’s High Performance Sevens Referees Manager. Emphasized the magnitude of the Rugby World Cup Sevens. Noting that it stands as a pinnacle event in the global sevens rugby calendar. Held only once every four years. The tournament demands elite performance not only from players. But also, from the officials who oversee the action. O’Brien praised the dedication of the officiating team. Acknowledging that they are undergoing rigorous physical and mental preparation. To ensure they are ready to deliver at the highest level. He also underscored the prestige of hosting the event in such an iconic setting, elevating its status within the sport.

The Role of Officials in the Global Rugby Sevens Landscape
Much like the athletes preparing for one of the sport’s biggest stages. The match officials have their own journey of readiness. Their contribution to the flow, fairness, and credibility of the tournament cannot be overstated. With the rapid pace and high stakes of international sevens. Each referee is required to make instant decisions while managing intense pressure. This ensures the integrity of the matches and the overall success of the event. These officials are as much a part of the competition’s narrative as the teams themselves.
Global Representation Reflects the Spirit of the Game
The selection of ten referees from various corners of the world underscores the international nature of the Rugby World Cup Sevens. Referees from South Africa, New Zealand, Wales, Scotland, Australia. France, Hong Kong, England, Argentina, and the United States will bring their diverse perspectives and expertise to the tournament. This global makeup not only reflects the inclusivity of the sport but also enhances the cultural. And professional exchange among officials. Such diversity fosters a shared understanding of rugby values and promotes consistency in officiating standards.
Experience and Quality Anchor the Refereeing Panel
Many of the chosen referees boast extensive experience at the highest levels of the game. Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa) is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic and consistent referees in the sport. While Richard Kelly (New Zealand) and Craig Evans (Wales) bring a strong technical command honed over years of top-tier officiating. Each referee has earned their spot through a combination of skill. Professionalism, and on-field composure. Their presence guarantees that matches will be managed with fairness and clarity.
A Blend of Youth and Veteran Leadership
The group includes a healthy mix of experienced figures and rising officiating talents. Damon Murphy (Australia) and Jeremy Rozier (France) have both transitioned successfully from players to referees. Bringing with them a deep understanding of the game from multiple perspectives. Matt Rodden (Hong Kong) and Damian Schneider (Argentina) also contribute to the balance of the team, combining sharp decision-making abilities with international exposure. This blend of profiles creates a dynamic panel capable of handling a wide range of match scenarios.

Delivering Excellence on the Sevens Stage
The referees will be responsible for officiating 52 matches in the 24-team men’s competition. A demanding task that will test their endurance. Judgment, and communication skills. With the world watching, their performance will be critical to maintaining the sport’s credibility and ensuring player safety. As rugby sevens continues to grow in popularity and competitive intensity. The officials play a central role in shaping the spectacle. The stage is set for a thrilling event, and the refereeing team is prepared to rise to the occasion.
Eticketing.co gives football supporters the opportunity to buy Women Rugby World Cup 2025 Tickets at unbeatable prices. Fans can take advantage of exclusive offers, ensuring they reserve their seats for the most important match of the year without straining their budget. Enjoy a streamlined ticket-buying experience and feel the excitement of the final showdown with us.
