The rugby refereeing career of Coonamble's Ella Goldsmith passed another milestone recently as she was presented with her cap from Rugby Australia, making her the eighth woman in Australia to receive a cap.

The cap is significant in recognising her first international XV game which she refereed last year - Fiji versus Papua New Guinea at the Oceania Women's XVs tournament on the Gold Coast.

"It's like how cricketers get their baggy green when they play for Australia," Ella explained. 

"I wasn't expecting the cap or the presentation last weekend - it was a surprise that I had so many of my friends and wider support crew there.

"My family were with me as well as my coaches and support from both Rugby Australia and NSW Rugby Referees Association as well as the team I refereed with that night."

Ella had come straight from refereeing the Super Rugby Women's game between the Waratahs and the Rebels at Allianz Stadium on Friday evening 5 April to the Rugby Australia boardroom.

Joining Ella at Rugby Australia headquarters were her parents Jamie and Leonie Goldsmith, siblings Bridget and Lawson, her boyfriend Cameron Horne and his parents Margaret and Peter, along with friends Sophie Gee, Luca Dalla Camina, and Harry Montgomery.

Ella Goldsmith is pleased to be Australia's 8th capped female rugby union referee. IMAGE SUPPLIED.

"We are often asked for our ‘why’ as match officials which we fall back on when times get tough on or off the field," says Ella.

"I referee for the ongoing challenge, to constantly want to work hard and be the best referee I can be. 

"I thought once I stopped playing that I wouldn’t find that team environment that being apart of a rugby club gives you, however being apart of NSWRRA and RA you have support everywhere you look and these people are what keep pushing you to constantly better yourself.

"I want to look back on my career and be proud that I gave something 110% - I appreciate all the opportunities that reffing has given me."

Ella plans to work hard through the current season, which has just got underway, and hopes to officiate at the WXV Tournament to be held in October this year.

"I would love to be there officiating for the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup so that is my ultimate long term goal, as well at being at the next Olympics in four years' time for the Rugby Sevens."