Natarsha Ganley appointed to referee Wellington Lions first Ranfurly Shield defence

Referee Natarsha Ganley is set to take charge of Wellington’s first defence of the Ranfurly Shield when they visit Horowhenua Kapiti on July 12 in Levin.

Ganley becomes the second woman after former Black Fern Rebecca Mahoney in 2019 to referee a Ranfurly Shield fixture.

Speaking on the NZR Around the Grounds podcast, Ganley said she did not expect to be appointed to the game.

“I didn’t expect it at all. Chris Pollock gave me a call and I was out to dinner with my uncle and he called me and said ‘we’d like you to do this game, how do you feel’. I think I just screamed thank you down the phone at him, said Ganley.

“I just couldn’t believe it, I was pretty stoked to get that call. Just another opportunity and I’ve reached out to Bex [Rebecca Mahoney] to get a little advice.”

A Compliance Analyst for Hobson Wealth focused on anti-money laundering, Ganley only returned to refereeing in 2022 after taking a three-year break from the game.

Since then she has experienced a rapid rise through the referee ranks, including Sky Super Rugby Aupiki appointments this season and Assistant Referee duties in the Black Ferns Pacific Four match last week.

“It’s been pretty surreal the ride the past 12 months. I haven’t expected any of it and the opportunities keep coming and you’ve just got to roll with it, said Ganley.

“Last week was an incredible display of rugby and for that to be their first hit-out for 2023 and be that dominant I’m so excited to see what the Pac 4 games in Canada are going to look like. There’s going to be some awesome rugby.”

Ganley will also be the first referee to officially debut a new referee kit featuring black shorts when she referees Wellington’s Shield defence next week.

The new uniform will be worn by all referees and is designed to ensure woman referees feel more comfortable, particularly at different stages of the menstrual cycle.

“The reason behind that is pretty clear. England and a lot of other teams are following suit. It’s just one less thing to worry about. It’s meant to fit you properly and you’re not having to worry about anything on the field, you just go out there and referee.”

About NZR Around the Grounds podcast

NZR Around the Grounds is a New Zealand Rugby podcast bringing you closer to our national game. Hear from people at the heart of rugby in Aotearoa New Zealand and get an inside view on the initiatives, stories and hot topics driving our sport.

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