South African rugby referee Aimee Barrett-Theron has announced that she is stepping away from officiating as she begins treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Cape Town-based official, regarded as one of the sport’s leading referees, confirmed that she will be unavailable for the foreseeable future while focusing on her health. The 39-year-old recently informed both SA Rugby and World Rugby of her decision to temporarily put her career on hold.
While the news came as a shock to many in the rugby community, Barrett-Theron also shared an encouraging update, saying her cancer is treatable and that she is working with a team of specialists to return to the field in the coming months.
‘I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer,’ she said.
‘The good news is that it’s treatable, and I’m working with an incredible team of specialists who are fully aligned with the goal of getting me healthy and back on the field in a few months’ time.’
She explained that her immediate priority is treatment and recovery, adding that she plans to tackle the challenge with the same discipline and determination that helped her become one of rugby’s most respected officials.
‘I’m approaching this the same way I would approach any high-performance environment: with the right team around me, a clear plan, honest conversations, and full commitment to the process.’
Barrett-Theron has built a remarkable career in rugby. A former Springbok XVs and sevens player, she made history by becoming the first woman to referee a men’s rugby match in South Africa.
She also holds the record as the most-capped female Test referee, having officiated 52 international Tests, making her one of the most experienced match officials in the women’s game.
Her most recent appointment came in June, when she took charge of the South Africa ‘A’ clash against Zimbabwe at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Reflecting on her journey, Barrett-Theron said refereeing had prepared her for difficult moments.
‘Refereeing has taught me a lot about resilience, discipline, pressure, and backing yourself when things get tough. Being South African probably helps too,’ she said.
‘I was determined to make it through the ranks as a referee, and now I’m even more determined to get through this and return to the field stronger.’
She also used her announcement to encourage others to pay attention to their health, revealing that the diagnosis came after performing a routine self-examination.
‘I found this through a self-check, so please let this be your reminder: check yourself, listen to your body, and don’t delay getting anything unusual looked at.’
The message has resonated across the rugby community, with many praising her openness and using her story to raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
SA Rugby president Mark Alexander paid tribute to Barrett-Theron’s strength and pioneering career, expressing confidence that she would approach her recovery with the same resilience that has defined her rise through the sport.
‘Aimee has been a resolute and focused trailblazer on the field, and we know she will approach her treatment with the same determination and single-mindedness,’ Alexander said.
He added that Barrett-Theron had overcome numerous challenges throughout her officiating career and believes she will face this latest hurdle with equal courage.
‘We wish her Godspeed in her recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the field at some point in the future.’
For now, one of South Africa’s most accomplished rugby officials is swapping the whistle for recovery, with the rugby world united behind her as she works towards returning to the game she loves.
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