A woman refereeing men’s Six Nations and World Cups ‘inevitable’ – Joy Neville

Neville, a trailblazer for aspiring female officials during her ground-breaking career as a referee, will exit the international stage this weekend.

Joy Neville will referee her final Test match before retirement (Marlie Packer/PA)

Joy Neville believes it is “inevitable” that the historic feat of a woman refereeing men’s Six Nations and World Cup Test matches will be accomplished.

Neville, a trailblazer for aspiring female officials during her ground-breaking career as a referee, will exit the international stage after taking charge of Sunday’s Women’s Six Nations game between France and Italy in Paris, when the crowd will include her wife Simona and young son Alfie.