One of the world's leading female referees, Aimee Barrett-Theron, has stood down from officiating after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

Aimee Barrett-Theron, one of the world's leading female referees, has stood down from officiating after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The 39 year-old South African is the most-capped female international referee after taking charge of 52 Tests. "The good news is that it's treatable, and I'm working with an incredible team of specialists who are fully aligned with the goal of getting me healthy and back on the field in a few months' time." Barrett-Theron, who has also refereed in the United Rugby Championship, last took to the field in charge of South Africa A against Zimbabwe last month. She discovered evidence of the disease through a "self-check" and encouraged others to do the same. "Please let this be your reminder: check yourself, listen to your body, and don't delay getting anything unusual looked at," she added. In 2024, Barrett-Theron made the headlines at the Under-20 Six Nations following an altercation with England's Henry Pollock and a number of Wales players. Her chat with both captains, telling them "I'm not mad, I'm just really disappointed", won her a legion of fans.