“Not About Symbolism — It Is About Recognising Real Expertise” Rugby Africa Celebrates World Rugby’s Appointment of African Citing Commissioners
Tunisia’s Wejdane Limame among eight African officials appointed to key international matches, including the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England.
Rugby Africa commends World Rugby’s appointment of eight African Citing Commissioners to officiate at upcoming international matches, describing the move as a clear vote of confidence in the region’s officiating standards.
Among the eight appointed is Wejdane Limame, who will serve as a Citing Commissioner at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England scheduled for August. Limame began her journey in Tunisia and has risen through the ranks to become a regular citing commissioner in France’s Top 14, one of the most competitive domestic leagues in the world.
“I feel extremely proud of myself and the work I’ve done to get here,” Limame told Rugby Africa.
“I’m proud to represent Tunisian women, African women, and also French women. Being a Citing Commissioner in the Top 14 has helped me a lot in developing my experience and credibility. This appointment is a reflection of the path I’ve taken and the efforts I’ve made.
“World Rugby’s continued trust in appointing women to key officiating roles sends a powerful and meaningful message. This is not about symbolism — it is about recognising real expertise, professionalism, and dedication developed through experience.”
Limame was also part of the first-ever all-female citing team appointed by World Rugby’s Citing Commissioner Manager, Steve Hindes. The EVA Team — a trio of pioneering women — made their debut at the 2019 Biarritz tournament.
“It was a groundbreaking moment — three women, appointed together, showing that we belong at the highest level,” Limame recalled.
“Since then, I’ve continued to be appointed to important matches — not only in women’s competitions, but also in men’s 15s under World Rugby.
“These assignments reflect growing trust — not just in me, but in the presence and impact of women across the sport. Today, women are no longer on the sidelines. We are inside the game, shaping it, contributing to it, and making space for others. This recognition is both a personal honour and a responsibility, to continue opening doors and proving that rugby at every level benefits from diverse voices and leadership.”
Officials from Zimbabwe, Tunisia, Kenya, and South Africa have been assigned to a diverse set of fixtures across men’s and women’s rugby, including high-profile matches involving the British & Irish Lions, the Women’s Rugby World Cup, and Tier 1 test matches.
“The Rugby Africa Disciplinary Committee proudly welcomes the appointment of our credited Citing Commissioners to key World Rugby assignments,” said Bongai Zamchiya, Chairperson of Rugby Africa’s Disciplinary Committee.
“We remain committed to a merit-based system that rewards competence and integrity, and we celebrate the growing opportunities for our officials to gain global exposure and experience.”
2025 Citing Commissioners from the Africa Region:
- Abigail Kawonza (Zimbabwe) – South Africa vs Canada (Women’s), 5 July 2025; South Africa vs Black Ferns XV (Women’s), 2 August 2025
- Wejdane Limame (Tunisia) – Argentina vs England, 12 July 2025; Ireland vs Scotland (Women’s), 2 August 2025
- Edwin Teya (Kenya) – South Africa vs Canada (Women’s), 12 July 2025
- John Ojara (Kenya) – South Africa vs Black Ferns (Women’s), 26 July 2025
- Shaun Veldsman (South Africa) – Namibia vs Italy, 27 June 2025
- Nomsebenzi Tsotsobe (South Africa) – Italy vs Japan, 9 August 2025
- Deker Govender (South Africa) – NSW Waratahs vs British & Irish Lions, 5 July 2025; Australia vs British & Irish Lions, 26 July 2025
- James Absaloms (Kenya) – British & Irish Lions vs Argentina, 20 June 2025; First Nations & Pasifika XV vs British & Irish Lions, 22 July 2025
Written by Enock Muchinjo
