New Zealand Rugby (NZR), in collaboration with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, has officially opened applications for the second edition of the Women’s Referee Scholarship. Following the success of its inaugural edition, this groundbreaking initiative aims to provide a pathway for women to excel in rugby refereeing.
Empowering Women in Rugby Officiating
Since its inception, the Women’s Referee Scholarship has proven to be a game-changer in expanding opportunities for female referees. The first cohort, which included Chloe Sampson, Kaitlin Bates, and Krysten Cottrell, showcased how athletes can seamlessly transition from playing to officiating while making significant strides in their careers.
Maggie Cogger-Orr, Women’s Referee Development Manager at NZR, emphasized the program’s impact:
“The opportunities in women’s refereeing are massive at the moment, and it’s been inspiring to witness the rapid progress of our first cohort. We are excited to support the next group and see what they can achieve.”
With the increasing popularity of women’s rugby and the growing demand for elite officials, this scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for aspiring referees to develop their skills under expert guidance.
Scholarship Benefits
The 2025-2026 Women’s Referee Scholarship provides an unparalleled package designed to fast-track participants’ development. The selected five recipients will receive:
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship from top refereeing professionals.
- Remuneration to support their career transition and officiating commitments.
- Opportunities to officiate in top-tier rugby competitions including provincial, Super Rugby, and international tournaments.
- A flexible program that accommodates players still actively competing in rugby.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Women’s Referee Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be female rugby players or aspiring referees keen on officiating.
- Demonstrate a passion for rugby and a commitment to professional development.
- Be based in New Zealand and available for training and officiating commitments.
- Have experience in competitive rugby (playing or officiating) at club, provincial, or higher levels.
Application Process & Deadline
The last date to apply for the New Zealand Rugby Women’s Referee Scholarship here (https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/applications-open-for-womens-referee-scholarship) is Tuesday, March 18, 2025.