IRISH REFEREE JOY NEVILLE says her call-up to the Men's Rugby World Cup should be about her ability rather than anything else.
Last week, it was confirmed that Neville is set to become the first female official to participate as a television match official for the Men's Rugby World Cup.
Neville is one of the four Irish officials who will be involved in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in France between September and October.
A former Grand Slam winner with Ireland in 2013, the experienced referee has already refereed the Women's Rugby World Cup final in 2017. That game was between England and New Zealand in Belfast.
Despite the groundbreaking feat, Neville does not want to be treated differently for being a woman and wants people to recognise her for her hard work.
"I'd like to think that I'm there because I'm good enough," Neville said.
4 @irishrugby in the Match Officials for @France2023. Congratulations Andrew Brace, Chris Busby, Brian MacNeice and Joy Neville, who makes more history as the 1st female official at the Men's RWC.
More: https://t.co/4trkisCYl3 pic.twitter.com/jkOhVLWlsh— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) May 10, 2023
"I've always asked to be selected through merit and for no other reason – drop all the other tags and labels.
"I understand there has to be a first, and then the culture will change, and hopefully more opportunities will open up for others to come through. But from my perspective, all I've ever asked from the lads is to treat me the exact same, and they certainly do that."
Neville also expanded on what people will expect from the TMO when the World Cup kicks off in Autumn.
"We're looking to protect the players. We need to ensure that there's a lower tackle height. In the role of TMO, sometimes you're damned if you do and damned if you don't," she added.
"(People say) 'You should have come in there, or why did you come in there?'. I think it's about striking a balance."
Rugby World Cup match panel: 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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