Sue Redfern, firm but fair trailblazer, will make history next week when she becomes the first female umpire to stand in a men’s first-class match in England and Wales .
Redfern has been appointed to umpire the Championship match between Glamorgan and Derbyshire at Sophia Gardens, starting next Tuesday.
With 21 England playing caps under her belt, Redfern has smashed through the umpiring glass season. She made history two years ago, also at Cardiff, when she was the fourth official at a home England men’s match –against Sri Lanka, and was the first female umpire to stand in a Blast match earlier this summer.
She has also umpired at the 2022 Commonwealth Games as well as three Women’s T20 World Cups and two Women’s World Cups.
“I have worked hard to earn this opportunity, said Refern, “and I look forward to taking the next step in my career by umpiring a men’s first-class match.
“That has been an ambition of mine for a long time and, while it is a new challenge that will test me, I know that I am ready for it.
“Umpiring has become such a fulfilling part of my life and while my focus is on being the best umpire I can be, I hope my journey can also be an inspiration to others.
“When I started umpiring I had to balance other work commitments with my umpiring, but it is now a career I can solely focus on. I am proud of the steps I have taken and that I am proving that opportunities now exist in umpiring for anyone if they’re willing to work hard and dedicate themselves.”
