‘I’m extremely grateful’ – Tributes paid as referee Joy Neville gets ready for her final Test match
Joy Neville referees an U20 international friendly match between Ireland and Italy at UCD Bowl last December. Photo: Seb Daly/Sportsfile
World Rugby chair Bill Beaumont has led the tributes to former Ireland international Joy Neville ahead of her final Test match as a referee this weekend.
Limerick native Neville will be in charge of the France v Italy game in Paris on Sunday.
That will be her 27th Test in men’s and women’s rugby as a referee, a career that began when she retired from an illustrious playing career that saw her win 70 caps and win the Grand Slam in 2013.
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She refereed the 2017 World Cup final between England and New Zealand in Belfast, while she also worked as a TMO at last year’s World Cup in France – a role that made her the first woman to be a match official at a Men’s World Cup.
She will take up the role of elite women’s 15s officials head coach with World Rugby when she hangs up her whistle.
“On behalf of the global game, I would like to thank Joy for her incredible career as a world-class match official,” former England captain Beaumont said.
"No one else can say they played, refereed and acted as an assistant referee, Television Match Official and bunker official at a Rugby World Cup, and Joy’s achievements make her truly one of the all-time greats in our sport. I hope that she can savour her final test in the company of her family.
“As someone who continues to blaze a trail for aspiring female and male referees, we are delighted that Joy will be continuing to channel her experience, passion and expertise into helping our international match officials be the best they can be as World Rugby’s Elite Women’s 15s Match Officials Head Coach.”
In an interview with World Rugby’s website, Neville spoke of her pride of her achievements.
“I’ve been extremely grateful, always grounded, and always felt very lucky with what I’ve got to experience,” she said.
"I actually thought off the back of finishing playing that I wouldn’t experience that team environment and sense of togetherness from the perspective as a player, but what I soon realised is the game of rugby is a wonderful family.
“I have so many memories, as a player and referee. I don’t think I’ve looked back and properly realised the experiences that I’ve had. I’m really looking forward to just taking a breath and enjoying those moments properly.”
