Aimee Barrett-Theron is looking forward to creating another DHL Newlands memory when she lines up as an Assistant Referee for the Currie Cup clash between DHL Western Province and the Phakisa Pumas on Friday.
Her first experience of DHL Newlands was as a player some 11 years ago, when she played her second Test for the Springbok Women’s team against an international Nomads side.
Since then she has been back a few times as both a spectator and a match official on her way to becoming an international referee and she says that each visit to DHL Newlands is special.
“I have enjoyed every experience I have had there, DHL Newlands is one of those stadiums where you can literally feel the history when you walk in.
“It is amazing to be on the pitch and look up into the stands and just know that everyone there is so passionate about rugby,” she says.
Looking back on her first visit to the ground in 2008, Barrett-Theron says that representing her country at DHL Newlands was an unforgettable experience.
“My first experience of DHL Newlands was playing in that Test match against the Nomads in 2008.
“Any time I pulled on the Springbok jersey was mindblowing and goosebumps from start to finish. To play against some of the best ladies in the world in that Nomads team was one that I will definitely never forget,” she says.
There will be a celebration of Women’s Day at DHL Newlands on Friday, with a ticket special (two Category One tickets for R100 BUY NOW), giveaways, competitions and special in-stadium entertainment.
For Barrett-Theron the main focus will be on the Currie Cup game which kicks off at 15h00.
“To be involved in the Currie Cup is an amazing experience and it is great that they are playing on Women’s Day and celebrating the day, so I am looking forward to it.
“The Currie Cup is our top competition in South Africa, it is great to be that close to the action, you have the best view of the game,” she explains.
It is a challenge that she is looking forward to, as she adds another special memory at DHL Newlands.
“It is always quite a tough role as an Assistant Referee, there is always quite a lot of pressure on us, but I enjoy it.
“The players might be a lot bigger than me, but I am gaining a lot of confidence with it and I am really just enjoying the experience out there, you are absolutely buzzing for the full 80 minutes,” she adds.