Woman to handle rugby match

SOUTH African referee Jenny Bentel will this week become the first woman in the country to blow the whistle in a provincial game.

Bentel will be the woman in the middle when the under-19 sides of the Golden Lions and Griffons clash at the University of Johannesburg today – ten days after the celebrations of the National Women’s Day. Fittingly, her debut at Provincial level comes during Women’s Month.A passionate referee, she made her way into the record books by becoming South Africa’s first woman to referee in a Test match, when Springbok Women locked horns with the touring Wales Women’s team in Port Elizabeth last year.”I am pleased with the opportunities that are presented to women in the referees category,” said Bentel.”I am honoured to officiate in a Provincial men’s match.This should signal the beginning for women in the refereeing profession in the country.”SA Rugby Deputy CEO Mveleli Ncula said he was particularly thrilled that Bentel’s opportunity came during August.”It will make this year’s Women’s Month even much more memorable, against the backdrop of our campaign to provide more opportunities to women in the game of rugby.Jenny is an inspiration to all the other women in rugby.It shows that the game is open to all.”- Nampa-SapaFittingly, her debut at Provincial level comes during Women’s Month.A passionate referee, she made her way into the record books by becoming South Africa’s first woman to referee in a Test match, when Springbok Women locked horns with the touring Wales Women’s team in Port Elizabeth last year.”I am pleased with the opportunities that are presented to women in the referees category,” said Bentel.”I am honoured to officiate in a Provincial men’s match.This should signal the beginning for women in the refereeing profession in the country.”SA Rugby Deputy CEO Mveleli Ncula said he was particularly thrilled that Bentel’s opportunity came during August.”It will make this year’s Women’s Month even much more memorable, against the backdrop of our campaign to provide more opportunities to women in the game of rugby.Jenny is an inspiration to all the other women in rugby.It shows that the game is open to all.”- Nampa-Sapa