Clara Munarini on the wonderful month of November: “But for a great test directed by a woman, rugby is not ready”

Feel a little bit ahead of November Clara Monarini: Sunday 7, Wales – Japan in Cardiff; Saturday 13, Wales – South Africa again in Cardiff; Saturday 20, Ireland – Japan in Dublin; Saturday 27, Barbarians – South Africa at Twickenham. “Yes, on the big court, even if it’s a women’s test” clarifies the match referee Parma. Her career is taking off with the same force as the blue rugby team making its way around the world, in a context that is in turn growing as massive as the women’s rugby career in the world (England is a candidate today to host the 2025 World Cup). thirty one years Graduated in Economics, employee of a logistics company, engaged to judge Manuel BotinoLast April, Clara became the first woman to officiate a top-10 match. Lazio Viadana. We are trying with her to understand what expectations a high-ranking referee can have at this moment in Italy and abroad.

At what stage do you feel in the profession of governance?

“To do things well, I don’t have to think about where I come from and where I want to go. It’s undeniable that I’ve been in the international circuit for four years, and the path is going towards it. World Cup in New Zealand 2022 and that is my goal. Let’s say I feel good on my way as a supporter in the international referee appointments, but I’m still not in the place where I would like to rank female referees. To be ranked, I still have to gain experience.”

However, the experience is precisely if it makes you control important games, it depends to some extent on individual judgement.

“Yes, it is a chicken and egg talk. What is certain is that World Rugby gives me many chances and the fir team agrees with it. I ruled a France and EnglandWhat do I want more? However, I see that they are rulers before me.”

Are the November calls going in the right direction?

“Of course, they are a step forward especially for the sake of continuity. These are the teams you have already ruled, butHe’s never seen four Test matches in four consecutive weekends“.

What are the national teams that have not yet ruled?

“Those who live in the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa, except for the ones I directed to Spain. From this point of view, Covid did not help. I started officiating at a very high level for two years.”

Can they send it to Australia or New Zealand?

“Hard. It is easier for the November Tests to be directed by referees from the north, while when playing in the south there are referees from that hemisphere. Only in the six countries do the referees go up from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Of course, there are the professionals. It is easier. for them. Sarah Cox, Joy Neville, Holly Davidson They played games everywhere.”

Could you be interested in becoming a professional referee?

“For Italy, this idea is a bit immature. Certain circumstances have to happen and then we have to see if this will benefit the movement or not. I certainly can even think about it, despite the fact that I am no longer very young and have a stable job. However, for a professional referee, a very strong Italian movement is needed. It’s a long-term perspective, not one year but one year about ten years“.

How many times have the referees happened to you?

“For the last two or three years always, because we’re divided into plates, I’m part of the top 10 and it’s rare to move into another category.”

What was the experience of ruling Lazio Viadana with the new scrum time rules?

Let’s say it takes good coordination and also good focus. Before the scrum preparation phase was almost a relief to us, or at least allowed you to take your time, while now it is not.. You have to be focused for the whole 120 minutes, because that’s the duration of the match now.”

When will we see a female referee in a men’s test match?

“In my opinion, the possibilities are few now. The women’s club tournament referee pool is likely to open, but I have some reservations for the national teams. Maybe we’ll see some matches between level 2 and level 3, but for level 1 I see it as difficult.”

because?

“I don’t know if I can answer. Let’s say it’s a little question PolicyA little adequate physical preparation, a little habit, from the current situation“.

Let’s say rugby is one of the most conservative sports in the world.

“Let’s face it, even if unquestionably progress has been made in recent years.”

Its design reminds us of that of girls from Italy who qualified for New Zealand 2022. What do you two have in common?

“There is this drive that was there for males 25 years ago. There is a pure hobby but in its most beautiful sense, one that is driven by pure love for the sport. The national team is beautiful and makes the girls who play there dream. They have nothing to lose and everything to gain. You play for glory, to go blue. There is pride in being part of something based on people’s will to do things well“.

Are you talking about rugby over dinner with your friend?

“Yes. We are Rugby addictPeople who really like rugby. We love what we do on Sundays.”

Have you heard of Pete Atkinson being disqualified due to pressure on the referee as a Waterboy? Has anything happened to you in the past like this?

“It has never bothered me to the point of reaching a disqualification or a determination, perhaps because of the character I tend to small cut, Does not bother me “.

And unwelcome comments about your decisions just because you’re a woman, have you received any?

“No, almost never, not just in the top ten. I might have been lucky, but I don’t remember the jokes or the eyes that went skyward. If the opposite happened, The players and coaches matched Because they were dealing with a girl. They put me through some things that others might point out, and I have to tell the truth“.