Aimee Barrett-Theron, one of the world’s leading female referees, has stood down from officiating after being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 39 year-old South African is the most-capped female international referee after taking charge of 52 Tests.

“I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said in a statement.

“The good news is that it’s treatable, and I’m working with an incredible team of specialists who are fully aligned with the goal of getting me healthy and back on the field in a few months’ time.”

Barrett-Theron, who has also refereed in the United Rugby Championship, last took to the field in charge of South Africa A against Zimbabwe last month.

She discovered evidence of the disease through a “self-check” and encouraged others to do the same.

In her statement, the Cape Town-born official vowed to return to refereeing.

“Please let this be your reminder: check yourself, listen to your body, and don’t delay getting anything unusual looked at,” she added.

In 2024, Barrett-Theron made the headlines at the Under-20 Six Nations following an altercation with England’s Henry Pollock and a number of Wales players.

Her chat with both captains, telling them “I’m not mad, I’m just really disappointed”, won her a legion of fans.

Barrett-Theron was also part of the officiating team for the Women’s Rugby World Cup final between England and Canada at Allianz Stadium last year.

Mark Alexander, president of the South African Rugby Union (SARU), said: “Aimee has been a resolute and focused trailblazer on the field and we know she will approach her treatment with the same determination and single-mindedness.

“She has had to overcome many, many barriers to reach the level of refereeing she has and we know she will take this next challenge in her stride. We wish her Godspeed in her recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the field at some point in the future.”