Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
Zimbabwe’s top rugby referee Precious Pazani continues to break records as she is set to become the first African referee outside of South Africa to officiate in the Europe’s Six Nations tournament next year.
The trailblazing Pazani is set to take charge of England’s clash with Italy in York on the 23rd of March next year in the Women’s Six Nations tournament.
The Six Nations Championship known as the Guinness Six Nations is an annual international rugby competition between European nations England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales.
The officiating team for the 2025 Women’s Six Nations was announced this Friday in what will be the final window of internationals for those hoping to make the 22-strong refereeing team for next year’s World Cup.
The former basketball player Pazani took a massive leap in her quest to become the first Zimbabwean to officiate at the Rugby World Cup after her appointment for the upcoming Women’s Six Nations.
The refereeing team comprises Scotland’s Hollie Davidson, the USA’s Kat Roche, Zimbabwe’s Pazani, New Zealand’s Lauren Jenner, Natarsha Ganley and Maggie Cogger-Orr, Australia’s Ella Goldsmith and Amber McLachlan, England’s Holly Wood and Sara Cox, France’s Aurélie Groizeleau, South Africa’s Aimee Barrett-Theron and Italy’s Clara Munarini.
Pazani will make her referring debut at the tournament alongside Goldsmith and Wood.
Affectionately known as ‘Rocky’, Pazani is no stranger to breaking records. Already she is the first Zimbabwean referee to officiate in the World Cup and the World Challenger series.
