Joy Neville’s deep-rooted connection to rugby was impossible for her to escape. Growing up in Limerick, Ireland, she was surrounded by rugby enthusiasts, with her father and all four older brothers actively playing, one of whom as a professional. At the age of 8, she first held a rugby ball in her own backyard, engaging in a scrimmage with her siblings, an experience that left her with a broken nose.
However, it would take nearly ten years before Neville had the opportunity to compete in her first rugby match. In a recent interview, she highlighted the lack of opportunities for women to play rugby during that time. Her brother Dave, upon witnessing her first game, offered his guidance and proclaimed that she would go on to represent Ireland and ultimately become the captain of her country. With that in mind, he emphasized the importance of practicing her tackle technique.
True to her brother’s prediction, Neville went on to captain the women’s rugby team for Ireland, participating in multiple World Cups. She utilized her position to advocate for greater female involvement in the predominantly male-dominated sport. Now, as she takes on the role of the first female member of a men’s Rugby World Cup officiating panel, her mission to promote women’s participation in rugby reaches new heights. As a television match official, she will analyze matches on-screen and collaborate with on-field officials to assess penalties and tries.
Neville attributes much of her groundbreaking success to her support network, particularly her brothers. They never treated her differently and created an environment where she felt no barriers existed. Reflecting on her journey, Neville embraced labels as motivational tools.
In a discussion about her transition from player to referee after a decade of playing for Ireland’s national team, Neville reveals the challenges and complexities of her role as a rule enforcer. Initially, she struggled and contemplated quitting due to the frustration of not being able to make the right calls for the players she once stood alongside. However, she persevered, abandoning the unrealistic expectation of flawlessness and accepting that mistakes were inevitable. Through experience and reflection, she refined her refereeing style and sought a balanced approach—one that allowed her to be human, approachable, and firm when necessary.
One pivotal moment cementing this balance occurred during a game in the British and Irish Cup in England on International Women’s Day. A male player’s laughter prompted Neville to respond assertively. The atmosphere grew tense, but she defused the situation by breaking the ice and smiling, establishing a connection with the player and establishing mutual respect.
With a decade of refereeing under her belt, Neville harnesses her energy as motivation to eradicate gender, color, size, and sexuality as determining factors in evaluating individuals’ abilities. She embraces the challenge of proving herself and strives to raise the standards. More often than not, the male players she officiates commend her performance, reinforcing her sense of accomplishment.
To remain grounded, Neville has discarded her fear of mistakes, recognizing them as opportunities for growth and a testament to her humanity. She chooses reflection over reactive responses and places importance on preparation for events such as the World Cup. She meticulously plans, ensuring no stone is left unturned, visualizing each possible scenario. On this journey, she acknowledges the unique position she holds as the only woman in her field, but she remains focused on performing at her best to pave the way for deserving individuals to receive similar opportunities. Her ultimate goal is to walk away from the World Cup with no regrets.
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