Aimee Barrett-Theron: Pioneering the whistle with passion
From the field to the whistle, Aimee Barrett-Theron’s journey in rugby has been one of resilience, dedication and passion. A former Springbok 7s and 15s player, Aimee has now established herself as one of the world’s top referees, setting an inspiring example for women in the sport.
For Aimee Barrett-Theron, rugby is not just a sport — it’s a way of life. From donning the green and gold as a player to officiating some of the most prestigious international matches, Aimee’s journey has been extraordinary. With over 40 Tests as a match official, she continues to break barriers in a predominantly male-dominated field, earning respect for her skill, dedication and love for the game.
A love for rugby and a shift to officiating
As a former Springbok 7s and 15s player, Aimee’s passion for rugby has always been at the heart of her career. But the intricacies of the game intrigued her and inspired her to transition from player to referee.
“I absolutely love rugby. It’s a unique and challenging sport with so many laws and phases. Being the decision-maker on the field was something that fascinated me,” she reflects. “And as a twin, I’m quite used to figuring out fairness in conflict situations!” she adds, hinting at the early skills that would later serve her on the field.
The defining moment
Though Aimee had always enjoyed refereeing in the sports she played, it wasn’t until 2014 that she realised she could pursue it seriously. A simple but significant moment sparked her interest.
“I saw a ‘Become a Referee’ jacket on a ref’s water carrier during a Super Rugby game and something clicked. Just as I started, I watched Amy Perrett officiate the 2014 World Cup final and thought, ‘If that Amy can do it, then so can this Aimee!’ That’s when I knew this was something I wanted to commit to.”
A natural transition
Aimee’s playing career shaped her approach to refereeing in ways that give her an edge on the field. “I’m very comfortable with the chaos of 30 players running around,” she says. “Having been in their shoes, I have a player’s perspective, which helps me connect with the players and make relevant decisions.”
But the transition wasn’t without its challenges. Aimee recalls the mental fatigue of refereeing: “As a player, you get a breather here and there, but as a ref, you’re constantly assessing, reading situations and making decisions. There’s no off switch.” To overcome this, she dedicated herself to analysing matches and improving her decision-making skills during training.
Reaching a milestone in women’s rugby
In September 2024, Aimee became the first female match official to take charge of 40 Tests. “It’s incredibly special,” she says, reflecting on the milestone. “I’ve been involved in women’s rugby since 2005 and to see how far the game has come is amazing. To achieve this at Twickenham, with New Zealand and England – the two teams from the last World Cup final’ -, was the cherry on top.”
Her pride in women’s rugby is clear as she talks about the game’s growth. “The improvement in technical and tactical ability, combined with longer ball-in-play times, has added new dynamics to the women’s game. Professionalism has fast-tracked the development and I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Balancing rugby, family and biokinetics
Despite the pressures of refereeing at the highest level, Aimee is also a dedicated biokineticist, balancing two demanding careers. “Biokinetics is quieter, more one-on-one, whereas rugby is louder and full of people. It’s a nice balance and they both serve as breaks from each other,” she says.
But the biggest challenge lies in balancing her career with family life. “It’s a constant work in progress,” she admits. “I’m grateful for the support from my wife and daughter. I try to bring them on tour whenever possible and when I’m home, we make the most of our time together.”
Handling pressure and breaking misconceptions
As a female referee in a male-dominated sport, Aimee faces unique pressures. Yet, she remains focused on her preparation. “I put a lot of emphasis on my physical, mental and technical preparation so that when I step onto the field, I can trust myself to make the best decisions.”
When asked about misconceptions, she shares, “People used to question if a woman could ref a men’s sport or keep up physically, but I think perceptions are changing. All referees are held to the same strict standards, regardless of gender. But there’s always room for growth.”
Advice for the next generation
For young women looking to follow in her footsteps, Aimee’s advice is simple but powerful: “Live the dream. If you love rugby and have goals you want to achieve, go for it, no matter what anyone else thinks. Be prepared to work hard, but know that it’s absolutely worth it.”
Personal goals and the future of women’s rugby
Looking to the future, Aimee has her sights set high. “2025 is a Rugby World Cup year and I’d love to feature in the big playoff matches. I also want to referee a men’s Test match and establish myself further in the URC and EPCR competitions. And closer to home, refereeing a Currie Cup final is definitely on my bucket list!”
For women’s rugby to continue growing, Aimee believes in the importance of getting girls involved earlier and creating specific pathways for women in coaching, refereeing and management. “We need to support women in ways that work for them, not just copy the men’s structures.”