Joy Neville among four Irish officials for Rugby World Cup

Joy Neville has been named as a television match official for the Rugby World Cup, becoming the first the female official to take part in the men's showpiece event.

A Grand Slam winner with Ireland in 2013, Neville refereed the Women’s Rugby World Cup final in 2017 and is one of four Irish officials involved in the tournament in France that takes place in September and October.

Andrew Brace is one of 12 referees selected for the tournament, while Chris Busby is an assistant referee.

Brian MacNeice will also take up TMO duties.

Reacting to the announcement, IRFU chief executive officer Kevin Potts said: "We are very happy. We’d like to congratulate Joy for being the first female match official at a World Cup, for her and her family and for us and Irish Rugby.

"We are proud of everything she’s achieved and we wish her the very best of luck. It’s a great honour."

Referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Wayne Barnes (England), Nic Berry (Australia), Andrew Brace (Ireland), Matthew Carley (England), Karl Dickson (England), Angus Gardner (Australia), Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand), Luke Pearce (England), Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Mathieu Raynal (France), Paul Williams (New Zealand).

Assistant Referees: Chris Busby (Ireland), Pierre Brousset (France), James Doleman (New Zealand), Craig Evans (Wales), Andrea Piardi (Italy), Christophe Ridley (England), Jordan Way (Australia).

Television Match Officials: Brett Cronan (Australia), Tom Foley (England), Marius Jonker (South Africa), Brian MacNeice (Ireland), Joy Neville (Ireland), Brendon Pickerill (New Zealand), Ben Whitehouse (Wales).

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