One of World Rugby’s top female referees, Australia’s own Amy Perrett will join her colleague, Angus Gardner, in refereeing the Six Nations tournament in 2016.
Perrett has been named to officiate two Test matches in the Women’s Six Nations, which kicks off in February.
Perrett will referee the match between Ireland and Italy as well as the highly anticipated clash of England against France in the final round of the Women’s Six Nations.
Angus Gardner was last month confirmed to referee the clash between Ireland and Italy in Dublin.
It is only the second time two Australians have refereed their respective Six Nations tournaments in the same calendar year.
Perrett said she was looking forward to the opportunity to take the whistle at the premier women’s competition in Europe: “I’m very excited to be refereeing the Women’s Six Nations in 2016 and to be rewarded with two Test matches is an amazing opportunity.
“Women’s Rugby is really enjoying an exciting period with the growing success of the HSBC Women’s Sevens World Series, the Women’s Rugby World Cup and the lure of the Olympics.
“I’m humbled to be given this opportunity and I am looking forward to the first match in March.”
The ARU’s Head of Referees, Scott Young offered his congratulations to Perrett: “Amy is highly deserving of her role in the 2016 Women’s Six Nations and has been recognised for her performances and consistency over several seasons.
“Amy has shown amazing resilience to come back from her back injury to the International circuit and she is continuing to grow as a referee after being given the honour of officiating the Women’s Rugby World Cup final in 2014.”
Perrett recently officiated the Dubai Sevens on the HSBC Women’s World Series where she was returning to the International circuit following an injury caused by a stress fracture in her back.
The Six Nations clash will be Perrett’s eighth Test match as the woman in the middle, adding to her impressive resume.
