Female rugby ref Joy Neville to officiate at men's World Cup

A female referee has been included in the list of match officials for a men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time

A female referee has been included in the list of match officials for a men’s Rugby World Cup for the first time.

Joy Neville of Ireland was among a group of 26 match officials representing nine nations announced by World Rugby on Wednesday.

Neville, who was the referee for the Women’s World Cup final in 2017, will be one of the television match officials.

Nika Amashukeli will be the first Georgian to officiate at a Rugby World Cup, as one of the 12 referees selected.

English referee Wayne Barnes will officiate at a record fifth Rugby World Cup, having made his debut at the 2007 tournament in France.

The Rugby World Cup is being held in France from Sept. 8-Oct. 28.

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