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Aimee Barrett-Theron and Embrose Papier (Rooster)
- Bulls mentor Jake White was encouraged by Aimee Barrett-Theron’s umpiring after becoming the first woman to umpire a high-level match in South African rugby.
- The former Springbok coach was impressed by his willingness to accept the pressure of a game with many internationals.
- She hopes this is an important step towards a fruitful career for her.
Jake White praised the composure displayed by Aimee Barrett-Theron following her performance with the whistle in the Super Rugby Unlocked game between the Bulls and Pumas on Saturday.
The 33-year-old notably became the first female referee to officiate a 15-man senior match in South African rugby.
The Bulls’ director of rugby commented wryly that she was “outstanding” in the first half, a clear reference to her team’s dominance in that span as they established a 21-0 lead.
But White was quick to note the significance of her achievement.
“This was arguably the biggest game she’s played in her career to date, she admitted it herself,” she said.
“She was refereeing World Cup players in this game and several other internationals as well. All credit to her, they all have to start somewhere.”
READ | Referee Aimee Barrett-Theron makes South African rugby history in Bulls win
Barrett-Theron may not have been as vocal as some of his counterparts, but he still made his presence count, in particular by telling the front two rows sternly after several restart scrums that “this is not how we scrum, it does. we fixed it, “while also lecturing young Bulls fullback David Kriel about an off-the-ball incident.
“Part of what we are doing in South African rugby is developing new referees. Aimee has to gain experience somewhere,” White said.
“We have produced some of the best female referees in the world and if this is one of her steps towards becoming a great international referee, then fantastic.”
The former Springbok coach also noted that she would have come under immense scrutiny.
“It must have been tough for her, especially in the beginning. Forget what it’s like to have made a young player debut, imagine being a referee entering a game where she’s referring to some of the best players in the world.”
“Some would have scrutinized her more than other referees. It was an interesting experience and a credit to her.”
