AMY PERRETT, WIDELY regarded as Australia’s top female referee, is set to make history when she becomes the first-ever woman to act as a match official for a Super Rugby game this weekend.
Perrett has been appointed as touch judge for the Rebels clash the Stormers in Melbourne.
The move follows a recent announcement that Perrett would be one of Australia’s two officiating representatives at the 2016 Olympic Games.
Speaking after her appointment for this weekend’s game, Perrett said:
“I am really proud to be given this honour this weekend and I certainly hope this opens the door for more women to officiate the top level across Rugby.
“I am just focused on doing my job to the best of my ability and will be joining a fantastic team of SANZAAR refs right across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina who referee Super Rugby week in and week out.”
ARU Head of Referees Scott Young: “We are immensely proud of Amy’s efforts to make her Super Rugby debut this weekend.
“The fact that she is making SANZAAR history is an added bonus as she is well and truly deserving of her position, considering her outstanding professionalism and her desire to constantly improve.”
The Pro-12 had its first female match official in March this year when Ireland’s Helen O’Reilly ran the line for Munster’s 47-0 win over Zebre.
