Thursday 30 June 2016 10:00, UK
Amy Perrett will make history on Saturday by becoming the first female official at a Super Rugby game after being appointed assistant referee.
The 25-year-old Australian, a full-time professional referee, will be on duty for the Melbourne Rebels and Western Stormers clash on Saturday.
Perrett took charge of the 2014 Women's Rugby World Cup final, which saw England defeat Canada in the Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris, and is one of Australia's two representatives for the Rio Olympics.
"I am really proud to be given this honour this weekend and I certainly hope this opens the door for more women to officiate the top level across rugby," Perrett said in a statement.
"I am just focused on doing my job to the best of my ability and will be joining a fantastic team of SANZAAR referees right across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina who referee Super Rugby week in and week out."
Perrett added on Twitter: "Thanks to everyone for the messages of support. I'm looking forward to getting on with the job this weekend."
Australian Rugby Union's head of referees Scott Young said he was "immensely proud" of Perrett.
"We hope this will open up a clear pathway for women in our game who want to be a part of rugby from an officiating capacity knowing that (like Amy) they can make it to the top of our sport," he said.
