England fast-tracks women refs

The Rugby Football Union and the Rugby Football Union for Women are preparing the "next generation of world class female referees" by identifying them and putting them on a specifically-designed programme.

They hope that the referees so fast-tracked will be ready for the next Women's Rugby World Cup in 2010.

So far six referees have been identified for the programme which includes skill sets such as mental agility, physical fitness, time management and a commitment to on-going development. In addition the RFU are working closely with the RFUW, FIRA and the IRB to open opportunities for overseas matches as part of the referee development process. In the long term each referee will be assigned a referee coach to assist their development.

The six identified for fast-tracking are Claire Hodnett, Jennifer Lynch, Anne O'Flynn, Andre Ttofa, Natalie Amor and Becky Patrick.

David Rose, the RFU's Referee Development Manager, said: "The RFU is proud of its record in developing international referees who have participated in Rugby World Cups. What is less well known is that we have also developed three female referees, Sarah Stanley, Claire Daniels and Debbie Innes, who have also refereed at Women's Rugby World Cups.

"This performance programme hopes to add to that list and fulfil the undoubted potential of a number of current female referees for the next two World Cups in 2010 and 2014. We are confident that with the right support and opportunities a number of the referees currently in the programme will join Sarah, Claire and Debbie and reach international status."