New Zealand Rugby Women Referee Scholarship 2025 – YOA

New Zealand Rugby (NZR), in collaboration with the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, has formally opened functions for the second version of the Women’s Referee Scholarship. Following the success of its inaugural version, this groundbreaking initiative goals to supply a pathway for ladies to excel in rugby refereeing.

Empowering Women in Rugby Officiating

Since its inception, the Women’s Referee Scholarship has confirmed to be a recreation-changer in increasing alternatives for feminine referees. The first cohort, which included Chloe Sampson, Kaitlin Bates, and Krysten Cottrell, showcased how athletes can seamlessly transition from enjoying to officiating whereas making important strides of their careers.

Maggie Cogger-Orr, Women’s Referee Development Manager at NZR, emphasised this system’s impression:

“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 growing reputation of girls’s rugby and the rising demand for elite officers, this scholarship gives an distinctive alternative for aspiring referees to develop their expertise underneath skilled steering.

Scholarship Benefits

The 2025-2026 Women’s Referee Scholarship supplies an unparalleled package deal designed to quick-monitor individuals’ improvement. The chosen 5 recipients will obtain:

• One-on-one teaching and mentorship from prime refereeing professionals.
• Remuneration to help their profession transition and officiating commitments.
• Opportunities to officiate in prime-tier rugby competitions together with provincial, Super Rugby, and worldwide tournaments.
• A versatile program that accommodates gamers nonetheless actively competing in rugby.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Women’s Referee Scholarship, candidates should:

• Be feminine rugby gamers or aspiring referees eager on officiating.
• Demonstrate a ardour for rugby and a dedication to skilled improvement.
• Be primarily based in New Zealand and out there for coaching and officiating commitments.
• Have expertise in aggressive rugby (enjoying or officiating) at membership, provincial, or greater ranges.

Application Process & Deadline

The final date to apply for the New Zealand Rugby Women’s Referee Scholarship right here (https://www.nzrugby.co.nz/news-and-events/latest-news/applications-open-for-womens-referee-scholarship) is Tuesday, March 18, 2025.