Rugby Australia are hoping to fast-track the development of female referees within the country through the female Match Official Leadership Program.
The annual two-day program was held last weekend, designed to create female leaders within the Match Official community whilst increasing female participation.
It is supported by RA, The Rugby Club Foundation, Australian Sport Commission and the Australian Sports Foundation as they seek to further raise representation within refereeing, referee coaching, and referee administration.
"The MO Female Leadership Program has been developed to build capability and capacity for women to become leaders within the MO community," program mentor and head of Inclusion - Referee Amy Perrett said in a statement.
"Most of these women are the only female MO in their association. It's a fantastic opportunity to bring them together, share their experiences and know they have a network around them."
"This is a key initiative to help recruit and retain female MO's, and to build a pathway for female referees, referee coaches and administrators as we head towards the Golden Decade."
Referees such as Jess Ling are among several graduates from the program in 2022, with Ling making her Test debut last April as she officiated Fiji v Japan.
Ling is joined by the likes of Ella Goldsmith and Leesa Kenny, with Goldsmith refereeing at the World School Sevens whilst Kenny officiated the final of the Defence World Cup.
There are nine participants from across the country, with an additional 7 mentors for the 2023 program.
Mentors include trailblazer Perrett along with current leading female referees Tyler Miller and Amber McLachlan.
Both Miller and McLachlan refereed at Rugby World Cup 2021, with McLachlan serving as assistant referee for New Zealand's thrilling semi-final victory over France.
Participants
Clare Adamson - NSWRRA
Jessica Craig - QRRA
Zoe Groaters -NT Rugby Referees
Amy Kilmister - ACTRRA
Alyssa Osborne - GCDRU
Amanda Sheeky - SARU Referees
Marika Vertzonis - VRRA
Jamie Wilson - SARU Referees
Caitlin Winslade - SNRR
Mentors
Annie Dickeson - ACTRAA
Rachel Horton - New England Rugby Referees
Kath Little - New England Rugby Referees
Tyler Miller - Rugby WA Referees
Amber McLachlan - VRRA
Melanie Nash - VRRA
Amy Perrett - NSWRRA
