Applications open for Women’s Referee Scholarship

New Zealand Rugby (NZR), with support from the New Zealand Rugby Players Association, has opened applications for the second edition of the Women’s Referee Scholarship.

Building on the success of the inaugural programme which has run over the last two years, NZR is now taking applications for the 2025–2026 cohort.

The first cohort was made up of three recipients – Chloe Sampson, Kaitlin Bates, and Krysten Cottrell. All three are former/current first class players at either provincial or Super Rugby and each of whom has already achieved significant milestones in their refereeing journeys.

Maggie Cogger-Orr, Women’s Referee Development Manager for New Zealand Rugby, said the programme has demonstrated how many opportunities are available to women who take up refereeing.

"It's been great to be part of the first ever women's referee scholarship programme in New Zealand.

“Chloe, Kaitlin, and Krysten have come a long way in the last two years and all three have very bright futures ahead of them. The opportunities are massive at the moment in the women's referee space and I'm really excited to support the next group of scholarship recipients to see what they can achieve."

The success of the first edition underscores the commitment to fostering talent and creating pathways for the next generation of referees. The upcoming edition will continue to allow flexibility for current players to continue with their playing commitments while getting support to begin their referee journey.

• Chloe Sampson – Taranaki
  From the start of the programme, Chloe committed fully to refereeing, making rapid progress along the way. In 2024, she made her World Rugby debut as an assistant referee, officiated her first-class match in the Farah Palmer Cup, and was selected as one of nine referees for the HSBC World Sevens Series 2024–2025. Looking ahead to 2025, Chloe will focus on her sevens refereeing, following her impressive performance in a semi-final at the Perth stop of the series.
• Kaitlin Bates – Waikato
  Balancing both playing and refereeing, Kaitlin entered the programme with no prior refereeing experience and quickly made her mark. During the 2023–2024 season, she officiated the Waikato Women’s Club Final, managed Women’s B matches in the Northern Region and participated in prestigious sevens tournaments in Dubai and the World Youth event in Auckland. In 2025, she will continue to consolidate her skills in the Waikato club competition and expand her role in representative competitions.
• Krysten Cottrell – Hawke’s Bay
  While primarily focused on her playing career, with standout performances for the Blues in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki over two consecutive seasons, Krysten also embraced refereeing opportunities locally in Hawke’s Bay. Her natural aptitude for officiating has set the stage for a promising future in refereeing once she transitions fully into the role. In 2025, she will continue balancing her playing career with available refereeing opportunities.

NZR’s Head of Training & Education Bryce Lawrence said the scholarships were about looking for innovative ways to capitalise on the growth of the women’s game.

The second edition of the Women’s Referee Scholarship will be open to five applicants. Successful candidates will receive remuneration and one-to-one coaching support to further their development as elite referees. Applications close on Tuesday March 18, 2025.

Applicants should submit a resume and a brief letter detailing your interest in the programme. For further information or to submit your application, please contact Maggie Cogger-Orr at maggie.cogger-orr@nzrugby.co.nz.