‘It is going to happen’: Joy Neville on a woman refereeing a men’s RWC

According to Joy Neville, it is “inevitable” that a woman will achieve the historic task of officiating men’s Six Nations and World Cup Test matches.

During her groundbreaking career as a referee, Neville paved the way for aspiring female officials. She will now step down from the international scene after officiating Sunday’s Women’s Six Nations match between France and Italy in Paris, which will be attended by her wife Simona and small son Alfie.

Even though the 40-year-old’s retirement from officiating is drawing near, she will still be an important part of World Rugby’s elite women officials in the 15s game as their head coach.

This season, South African Aimee Barrett-Theron is a regular on the United Rugby Championship circuit, England’s Sara Cox has officiated in the Gallagher Premiership, and Scotland’s Hollie Davidson became the first female assistant referee in a men’s Six Nations Test.

Neville said the PA news agency, “It is going to happen and it will be a completely-deserved appointment.”

It is unavoidable. We currently have a very high level of female referees in place.

“I am thrilled to help the girls further in making sure they have the support to progress and help them achieve whatever goals they have in mind. I know a lot of the girls so well and how they work.”

Neville started off her 11-year career officiating at the under-15 level in a Limerick school match, and she can look back on a number of accomplishments as her career comes to a conclusion.

She officiated the women’s World Cup final 2017 between England and New Zealand and became the first female official in European and URC events for men’s matches.

Neville was voted World Rugby Referee of the Year in 2017 and last autumn became the first female member of a men’s World Cup refereeing panel, working as a television match official. Neville also officiated a men’s Rugby Europe Conference match between Norway and Denmark.

And all of that following an incredible playing career that included two World Cup appearances, a Six Nations Grand Slam, 70 Ireland caps, and captaincy.

Neville continued, “I felt it was time to take a step away for family reasons.” “Refereeing requires a tremendous amount of dedication and time away from home.

“And even though I’ve loved every moment of it, learned a lot from the challenging times, and relished the wonderful ones, there comes a time when you realise it’s time to enjoy a more typical lifestyle!”

Neville recounted how she got started as a referee, saying, “It was one or two days after I announced my retirement as a player.”

“I received a call from David McHugh, a former international referee who now works for the Irish Rugby Football Union, requesting further time and dedication from me.

“I had never, ever considered going into refereeing. No one really gives refereeing a serious thought once they leave from the game; instead, they instinctively think about giving back by coaching, volunteering, and other activities.

“I would be dishonest if I claimed that adjusting to a new setting, picking up a new skill, growing from my mistakes, and comprehending various people-management concepts wasn’t challenging at first. Refereeing may teach you a lot, to be honest.

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