Black Ferns star Selica Winiata has shifted her attention to refereeing for the upcoming world sevens series.
The 33-year-old has been selected to referee two rounds of the series. After impressing in her international debut at the Oceania Sevens tournament in Fiji last week, she will take the whistle at the Dubai and Cape Town legs of the series in December.
NZ Rugby chief rugby officer Nigel Cass has praised the 40-test fullback on her appointment.
"This is a fantastic achievement for Selica, and one that she and her family should be very proud of," Cass said.
"Selica has a lot of talent, and we know her work ethic, dedication and game understanding are all there. It's a fantastic combination and we're looking forward to watching her on the world stage."
Winiata, who also serves in the police, said her love of rugby, mixed with the desire to be involved, led to her decision to become a ref.
"Refereeing is such a great way to be involved in the game and in the middle of the action. In the police, you need to make hard calls that aren't popular, so I'm not phased by that aspect."
Her appointment to the world series means Winiata won't play at a national tournament for the first time in more than 10 years, but she will continue to play 15s for the Black Ferns.
