A GRAND SLAM winner with Ireland in 2013, Joy Neville’s refereeing career has gone from strength to strength since she traded the back row for the whistle.
She’s constantly making history and breaking new ground, and next month she’s set to become one of the first female referees to take charge of a men’s international.
Rugby Europe this week announced that Neville and Spain’s Alhambra Nievas — who’ll become the very first on 14 October as Finland face Norway — will officiate two Conference 2 Division of Rugby Europe fixtures.
Limerick native Neville will then oversee Norway and Denmark do battle two weeks later, on 28 October.
“Joy has proven time and again her ability as a referee,” David McHugh, IRFU referee performance manager, said.
Two female referees, A.Nievas & Joy Neville, appointed to run men's international games for the first time ever https://t.co/pq2hvemtRL pic.twitter.com/wFzeKRj3Ay
— Rugby Europe (@rugby_europe) September 25, 2017
“She has an astute rugby brain and great empathy for the players and this combination, coupled with a strong work ethic, has enabled her to continue to reach new heights as a referee.”
The former international took charge of the Women’s Rugby World Cup final between New Zealand and England in August.
In October 2016, she became the first female assistant referee to officiate in a European rugby match and a month later, she became the first woman to referee in Ulster Bank League Division 1A game.
Our most tweeted phrase?
— FAIR GAME Podcast (@FairGameCast) September 27, 2017
"Joy Neville set to make history..."
UP NEXT: first woman to referee a men's international, next month. UNREAL 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/Zhm7vAsijS
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