Trailblazing female referee Neville to bow out in Women's Six Nations

English Woman's Journal - Trailblazing female referee Neville to bow out in Women's Six Nations

SPORTS 13.02.2024

Trailblazing female referee Neville to bow out in Women's Six Nations / Photo: NICOLAS TUCAT - AFP

Ground-breaking Irish referee Joy Neville will make her final appearance before international retirement in this season's Women's Six Nations, it was announced Tuesday.

Change text size:

Neville was the first women to officiate at a men's Rugby World Cup when she served as a television match official during last year's tournament in France.

The 40-year-old oversaw five pool matches, including England's 34-12 victory over Japan in Nice.

Neville, who refereed the 2017 Women's Rugby World Cup final, announced in January she would be stepping down at the end of the current season and before taking up a new role as referee development manager in the Irish province of Connacht.

The 40-year-year-old former Ireland international will be in charge for France's match against Italy in Paris on April 14, World Rugby said in a statement.

Scottish referee Hollie Davidson, the first female official involved in a men's Six Nations match when she was a touch judge for England's 16-14 win over Wales at Twickenham last weekend, will be in charge of two games in the women's tournament.

K.R.Jones--EWJ

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

English Woman's Journal - Trailblazing female referee Neville to bow out in Women's Six Nations