Blowing the whistle and breaking barriers on world stage

Jon Harris

It’s the energy and dedication to the game, more specifically women’s rugby which strikes you when you meet Zoe Naude.

Seven years ago, she was writing her Matric exams at Rustenberg Girls High School, and this month she was on the Women’s Rugby World Cup Referees’ panel in England, where the hosts were crowned 2025 WRWC Champions in front of a capacity crowd of 82000 when hosts beat Canada 33-13 in an exciting contest on Saturday.

Sitting amongst that frenetic crowd was 24-year-old Naude, this time as a wide-eyed spectator up in the stands of the cauldron that is Twickenham. It was the highlight of her rugby life, barely fathomable when she started her journey as a referee.

The flame-haired dynamo was one of six developing referees who were invited to attend the event to gain experience. Called the Legacy Programme, these high potential adjudicators attended workshops and training sessions. Included was a ten-day programme, the WWC referees forming part of the group, where they shared knowledge and participated in activities designed to hone skills in preparation for the tournament.

As First Reserve Referee, Naude did not expect to be involved in the opening match, played at the Stadium of Light, in Sunderland between England and the USA. Fortuitously, Naude was on the sidelines, managing the substitutions table, lapping up the atmosphere created by the players and 45 000 fanatical supporters.

Her participation sadly ended after the round robin stages, an experience which has inspired this young woman to achieve even greater heights in the sport she loves so dearly. A former player with Provincial colours in the Sevens format, Naude joined False Bay in 2021 and immediately injected life into their fledgling Women’s section. A year or two later, she established Girl Power, a group dedicated to being run by women aimed at introducing young girls to the game of rugby, its disciplines, skills, and camaraderie.

Last Friday, Naude refereed the under-21 match between DHL Western Province and the Leopards. Soon after that contest, she hopped on a flight to London and the next day found herself as part of the crowd soaking up the electrifying atmosphere of the Women’s Final.

Fairytales are for dreamers. Dreamers sit in the warm sunlight planning their lives. This young woman is already an inspiration to so many, and her journey is only beginning.