Australian referee Amber McLachlan has been appointed to the opening game of the Women's Six Nations between Wales and Ireland.
McLachlan is one of ten officials slated to referee games in the premier international window for female match officiating, building off the success of Rugby World Cup 2021.
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Rugby World Cup 2021 final referee Hollie Davidson (Scotland) will take charge of Ireland v France in Cork on 1 April, while Sara Cox (England) will take charge of the last match, Scotland v Ireland, on 29 April.
“The TikTok Women’s Six Nations 2023 kicks off a new era of international women’s rugby and these appointments provide another opportunity for a hardworking and talented group of match officials to help facilitate exciting test matches in a pivotal time for women’s rugby," World Rugby Selection Committee Chairman Graham Mourie said in a statement.
“The group selected contains a strong mix of experience and proven young talent and we have every confidence that they will be well prepared and ready to perform from the opening kick-off to the final whistle."
McLachlan made her Six Nations debut in 2020, appointed to England v Wales and Ireland v France before the latter was cancelled due to COVID.
The Victorian also took charge of England v Ireland in 2022 in preparation for the World Cup, where McLachlan refereed USA-Japan, France-Fiji as well as serving as assistant referee for the semi-final between New Zealand and France.
This comes after being appointed as an assistant referee throughout Super Rugby Pacific, including last Saturday's clash between the ACT Brumbies and Moana Pasifika.
McLachlan continues the strong Australian refereeing representation in the competition, which has seen the likes of Sarah Duncan (nee Corrigan), Amy Perrett and Rachel Horton appointed to games.
"With the women's game gaining momentum across all formats, so is our female referring cohort," Match Official Manager Brendan McKibbin said.
"Amber is a positive influence and mentor within Australian referees. This is evident with her on field performances and leadership qualities."
