History-making female referee and TMO retires

Joy Neville will retire from refereeing at the end of this season aged 40; She made history as the first female TMO at a men's World Cup; She also had a distinguished playing career in which she captained Ireland during the 2009 Women's Six Nations

The Irish Rugby Football Union has confirmed history-maker Joy Neville will retire from refereeing at the end of the season.

Neville refereed the Women's Rugby World Cup final in New Zealand in 2021 and made history when named by World Rugby to officiate as a TMO at the Men's Rugby World Cup in France.

Prior to refereeing, Neville's club career saw her play for Shannon and UL Bohemians while she also represented her home province Munster.

She won 70 caps for Ireland, captaining the team during the 2009 Women's Six Nations Championship, leading the Ireland women to their inaugural win over France. She also won a Women's Six Nations Grand Slam in 2013 and featured in two Women's Rugby World Cups, in 2006 and 2010.

On her decision to retire, Neville said: "When I first took up the whistle after my playing career concluded, I could never have imagined the places the game would take me.

"To be involved in, firstly, the Women's Rugby World Cup final was a huge honour and to then progress through to the Men's Rugby World Cup made me incredibly proud and it's only when I look back now that I can truly appreciate those achievements.

"To all those who have helped foster my love of the game to this point, especially all my family, friends and mentors in and outside the game, thank you for your support