Rugby Union: Joy Neville to become first woman to officiate at men’s World Cup
Joy Neville referee
Joy Neville will write her name into the record books when she officiates at the men’s World Cup this year.
Joy Neville will make rugby union history in France later this year when she becomes the first woman to officiate at a men's World Cup.
The Irish referee has been included among seven television match officials for the tournament.
Neville, 39, controlled the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup final between England and New Zealand in Belfast.
Wayne Barnes, meanwhile, will lead a four-strong contingent of English officials among the 12 referees selected.
Barnes has controlled a world-best 102 Tests and will officiate in a fifth successive World Cup, having made his tournament bow during the 2007 staging.
He is joined by Luke Pearce, Matthew Carley and Karl Dickson, with Carley and Dickson making their World Cup refereeing debuts.
The group of referees announced by World Rugby also includes Irishman Andrew Brace and Nika Amashukeli, who becomes the first Georgian to officiate at a World Cup, with England's Christophe Ridley and Welshman Craig Evans chosen among seven assistant referees.
"The journey to Rugby World Cup 2023 is not an easy one for match officials," World Rugby high performance 15s match official manager Joel Jutge said.
"There are fewer roles with as much public scrutiny, but I am proud of how the team has responded to the ups and downs, always being open and acting with integrity.
"Selection is one milestone, and we have a lot of work to do before the start of the tournament with warm-up matches and the Rugby Championship.
"But this team has a great work ethic, an unwavering spirit and a great bond, and we will all benefit from increased time together as we prepare for what will be a very special Rugby World Cup 2023 in France."
The tournament kicks off on September 8 when France host New Zealand in Paris
Recommended Offers
£30 Matched Free Bet if your first Acca loses + 100 Free Spins
New UK customers only. Min Stake: £5. Maximum Free Bet: £30. First bet on a Football, Horse Racing, Tennis, Cricket or Basketball multiple with 3+ selections. Overall odds: 3.00 (2/1) or higher. Free Bets are available upon settlement of the qualifying bet. 100 Free Spins on More Unusual Suspects (£0.10 per spin) credited on settlement of qualifying Acca bet. No wagering requirements on free spin winnings. Debit Card deposit only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid 7 days after the new account is registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get up to £50 Welcome Bonus
New customers only. Opt-in required. 100% Match Bonus up to £50 on 1st deposit of £10+. 50x wagering & game weighting applies. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad
Get £10 in Free Bets
New customers only. This offer is valid for 7 days from your new account being registered. Min Deposit: £10. Free Bet awarded: £10. 1 x £10 must be wagered at odds of 1.75+ to unlock Free Bet. Debit Card deposits only (exclusions apply). Free bet will expire 7 days after the 1st deposit.
18+ BeGambleAware.org. Full T&Cs apply #ad