Women Refs Called Up for Rugby World Cup Duty

THREE women rugby referees from Coventry are in line to take up roles in the IRB Women’s World cup, which kicks off in London in August.

Niamh Hennessey, Carol Goldfinch and her daughter Christine, have been confirmed as members of the RFU’s women’s officiating programme.

They had their positions in the 25-strong squad rubber stamped recently when they were presented with new kit by the RFU’s referee development manager, Alan Biggs.

The three were all trained by the Warwickshire Society of Referees. Niamh, who lives in Earlsdon and Christine, a 17-year-old pupil at Bablake School, have both already been referees or assistant referees at major women’s competitions in the UK, while Carol, the community referee co-ordinator at Barkers Butts RFC, has taken on the role as the group’s administrator.

Carol said: “Increasing numbers of women are getting involved in refereeing rugby, and we regularly come together from all across the country to work in teams for women’s regional, national and international fixtures.”

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