England vs USA referee puts players in place after England v Wales incident

Friday, 22 August 2025 at 10:01

byRugby Rucker

The England vs USA referee has been confirmed for the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup opener at the Stadium light tonight.

South African referee Aimee Barrett-Theron will be in charge when England face the USA in the opening game of the Women’s Rugby World Cup – and she’s already making headlines for her no-nonsense style.

Join the RUCK’s WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

The former international, who played at fullback, centre and fly-half before switching to refereeing, showed her authority during England U20s’ Six Nations meeting with Wales at The Rec.

The clash was always going to be physical, with both sides arriving unbeaten, but an early scuffle forced Barrett-Theron to call captains Finn Carnduff and Harri Ackerman over for a stern word.

"You know what, boys, I'm not mad," she told them. "Just really disappointed, because you both gave me buy-ins before the game in the changing room that you would be able to control your players. So, did you lie to me, or is it something you are going to fix from now?"

The Female Quotient

@femalequotient

·Follow

Last year, during the England v Wales Under-20’s Six Nations Game #rugby referee Aimee Barrett-Theron showed some brilliant leadership. Rugby is often a fiery game, but when players from both sides clashed repeatedly Barrett-Theron delivered a one-liner for the books 👏

Watch on X

4:22 PM · Aug 12, 2025

From player to trailblazer

Barrett-Theron represented KwaZulu-Natal and Western Province domestically, and earned caps for South Africa at both U20 and senior level, featuring at the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England. She also played on the Sevens circuit from 2008 to 2012 before turning to refereeing.

Since then, she has blazed a trail. She was part of the officiating team at the 2016 Olympic Games, became the first female referee on South Africa’s National B panel, and in 2024 made history as the first woman to reach 40 tests when she took charge of England v New Zealand.

Now, as the World Cup kicks off, all eyes will be on Barrett-Theron as she oversees England v USA, with her calm authority already proven on the biggest stage.

5 Women’s Rugby Stars You Need to Follow During the 2025 World Cup

As the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup unfolds, following these top players online is the ultimate way to experience the excitement, energy, and stories behind the game.

Here are the top 5 women’s rugby players you need to follow on social media this year, ranked from 5 to 1.

5. Hollie Aitchinson (England) – 57.3K Followers

Instagram: @hollieaitchinson | TikTok: @hollyaitchison_

Hollie Aitchinson combines elite rugby talent with a high-profile modeling career, including work for Victoria’s Secret.

Her Instagram captures training sessions, match-day prep, and stylish lifestyle content, while her TikTok shows her playful side off the pitch. Hollie’s mix of athleticism, charm, and modeling presence makes her a standout in both the rugby and fashion worlds.

4. Ellie Kildunne (England) – 104.6K Followers

Instagram: @elliekildunne | TikTok: @elliekildunne

England’s electric fullback, Ellie Kildunne, brings the same energy off the pitch as on it. Her Instagram reels showcase slick training sessions, match highlights, and creative moments with teammates.

On TikTok, she jumps into trends and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses, giving fans a closer look at life with the Red Roses squad. Ellie’s content balances professionalism and personality, making her a must-follow for fans who love flair both on and off the field.

3. Erica Jarrell-Searcy (USA) – 142K Followers

Instagram: @rick_jarrell.searcy | TikTok: @its_richarddd

Smart, driven, and engaging, Erica Jarrell-Searcy combines elite athleticism with academic achievement.

Her Instagram gives fans a peek into her life balancing professional rugby and her studies in Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard.

On TikTok, she shows a playful side, sharing fun clips with teammates and behind-the-scenes moments. Erica’s social presence is perfect for fans who appreciate authenticity, grit, and personality beyond the pitch.

2. Katelyn Vahaakolo (New Zealand) – 421K Followers

Instagram: @katelynvahaakolo | TikTok: @claryjeans

Katelyn Vahaakolo is making waves both in rugby league and union, but her social media presence sets her apart.

Her Instagram shares training routines, personal reflections, and cultural highlights, while her TikTok brings humour and lighthearted content into the mix.

With over 400K followers combined, Katelyn connects with fans through her honesty, charm, and vibrant personality.

1. Ilona Maher (USA) – 8.8M Followers

Instagram: @ilonamaher | TikTok: @ilonamaher

Ilona Maher is the undisputed queen of rugby social media. With over 8.8 million combined followers, she captures hearts with her playful, body-positive, and charismatic online presence.

From Tokyo 2021 to Paris 2024, Ilona has shared everything from locker room banter to emotional sideline moments. Fans love her unfiltered, hilarious, and inspiring content, making her a global ambassador for women’s rugby.