Strong SA match official representation for WXV Global Series

Apart from Naude, who refereed last month's Tests between the Bok Women and the USA, Giana Viljoen (assistant referee) and Quiton Immelman (television match official) have also been included on the panel.

Viljoen has also been included on the panel for the WXV Challenger Series in Hong Kong in September, while Angie Bezuidenhout will serve as assistant referee in a number of internationals.

Naude’s appointments as referee are for the Tests between Italy and Japan in Pordenone, before she travels to the USA for the clashes between USA and Italy (Nashville, Tennessee), and the USA and England (Harrison, New Jersey).

Record-breaking Test match referee Aimee Barrett-Theron [has stood down from officiating](https://springboks.rugby/news-features/articles/2026/7/15/aimee-barrett-theron-stands-down-to-fight-illness) with immediate effect to concentrate on treatment for a health issue.

The Springbok Women’s Tests will be officiated by Jess Ling and Amber McLachlan (against Fiji on 8 and 15 August); Ella Goldsmith (v Wales in Cardiff 18 September); Holly Wood (v Italy in Pordenone on 26 September); and Ling (v Ireland in Cape Town on 24 and 31 October).

“It’s wonderful to see so many of our women match officials getting well-deserved international recognition,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“Zoe has a number of big Tests coming up, while Giana and Angie are climbing the ranks. Quinton is one of the most experienced TMOs we have and we know all of them will do SA Rugby proud on the global stage.

“At the same time, we are stand by Aimee as she takes a break from the game, and we know she will be back to build on the legacy she has already created as one of the top referees in the world.”

For the full list of match official appointments, [**CLICK HERE**](https://www.world.rugby/the-game/high-performance/officiating/1023105).

Source: Original report at SA Rugby.