Match Officials named for Women's Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals - England vs France referee confirmed

Friday, 19 September 2025 at 13:30

byTom Sansom

World Rugby has confirmed the Match Officials for this weekend’s Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 semi-finals at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol.

South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron will take charge of the blockbuster clash between defending champions New Zealand and Canada on Friday night (19:00 KO UK). The appointment marks her 49th test in the middle and a record 12th Rugby World Cup fixture as referee, surpassing the previous record of 11 held by England’s Sara Cox and New Zealand’s Nicky Inwood.

Barrett-Theron also officiated Canada in the semi-finals of the last World Cup, when they were narrowly beaten 26-19 by England at Eden Park, ending hopes of a return to the final for the first time since 2014.

On Saturday afternoon, New Zealand’s Maggie Cogger-Orr will take charge of the semi-final between hosts England and France (15:30 local). It will be her first World Cup semi-final, her fourth match of the current tournament, and her 28th test overall.

Chair of the Emirates World Rugby Match Officials Committee, Su Carty, congratulated the pair, saying:

“Being chosen for a Rugby World Cup semi-final is a pinnacle moment for both players and match officials. It's a remarkable achievement and a great honour. I wholeheartedly congratulate Aimee, Maggie, and the entire team. I am confident they will embrace this occasion, relish the experience, and represent our match officials with pride and distinction."

World Rugby Women’s High Performance Referee Manager, Alhambra Nievas, added:

“I would like to congratulate Aimee and Maggie and each team of match officials for their selection, which they have earned on merit. They have the whole team behind them. The semi-finals are also bittersweet for us as a team as we say goodbye to a group of six incredible assistant referees as planned. They have been central to the work ethic, special spirit and culture of the team. They leave, but they are with us in our hearts, and I am sure they will grow from their RWC experience.”

With two heavyweights semi-finals on the horizon and experienced referees in charge, the stage is set for an epic weekend of knockout rugby in Bristol.