Zimbabwean referee Precious Pazani has shattered barriers and made history by being selected to officiate at the prestigious 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, setting a new standard for women referees in African rugby.
According to reports from Joy Online, Pazani’s appointment has sparked widespread praise and excitement, particularly from her mentor Mudiwa Mundawarara, the Referees Manager for Rugby Africa. Mundawarara lauded Pazani’s selection as a reserve assistant referee for the upcoming tournament, highlighting its profound impact on the landscape of African rugby.
“Precious has worked tirelessly for this moment, and I couldn’t be prouder of her,”
expressed Mundawarara in an interview with Rugby Africa Media.
“This is not only a personal triumph but also a significant advancement for Rugby Africa—a sign of many more groundbreaking achievements to come.”
Pazani gained international recognition earlier this year when she became the first African referee outside of South Africa to officiate a match in the Women’s Six Nations. Her exemplary performance during England’s encounter with Italy in York garnered accolades and further solidified her reputation as a rising star in rugby officiating.
In an industry traditionally dominated by male referees, Pazani’s journey stands as a beacon of diversity and progress. Her groundbreaking role as the first non-South African African official at the Women’s Rugby World Cup signifies an important shift towards inclusivity and representation on the global stage.
The highly-anticipated tournament is scheduled to take place from 22nd August to 27th September, featuring top teams from around the world vying for glory on the rugby field. With World Rugby recently unveiling a distinguished panel comprising 10 referees, six assistant referees, and six television match officials (TMOs), anticipation is building for an electrifying showcase of talent and sportsmanship.
As reported by Joy Online, Alhambra Nievas, World Rugby’s Women’s High Performance Referee Manager, commended this year’s lineup of officials for their depth and experience. Nievas praised the team as
“the strongest and most experienced match official team ever selected for a Women’s Rugby World Cup.”
Their blend of seasoned expertise and youthful vigor promises an exciting tournament filled with top-notch officiating.
Looking ahead to her involvement in the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Pazani shared her aspirations during an interview with Zimbabwean media before her Six Nations debut. She expressed heartfelt ambitions of representing her country on such a grand stage—underscoring how far she had come since embarking on her refereeing journey.
“If I were to be selected [for the World Cup], it would be more than just a personal milestone,”
remarked Pazani.
“It would be a testament to my hard work and dedication over the years—a moment that my nation can share pride in alongside me.”
Joining Pazani at the global event are two other African officials: Aimee Barrett-Theron from South Africa as one of the appointed referees, and Quinton Immelman also from South Africa serving as Television Match Official (TMO). Their presence underscores Africa’s growing influence and talent pool within international rugby circles.
In conclusion,…
[Proper Attribution]: Source: Joy Online
