WOMEN’S RUGBY is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Millions watched the World Cup last year, with 1.7 million tuning in to England’s loss to New Zealand in a thrilling final in November. The Women’s Six Nations is breaking attendance records and the Red Roses are going to play their first stand-alone game at Twickenham during the 2023 tournament. Allianz Premier 15s matches are attracting more fans. League games are being streamed by the BBC and the knockout rounds broadcast on BT.
The professionalism is on the rise too. Wales and Italy are now among countries to have introduced player contracts and over recent seasons clubs have paid match fees. But the refereeing in the Premier 15s is not fully professional and can create questions for casual fans. Are there television match officials (TMOs) in the women’s top flight? Are referees full-time? And do the Premier 15s have access to a citing commissioner? Here explains how officiating
