Alhambra Nievas and Joy Neville to become first women referees to officiate men's internationals
Joy Neville also officiated during the final of the Women's World Cup 2017
©PA
Alhambra Nievas and Joy Neville are set to make history as they are in line to become the first women to take charge in men's internationals.
The duo will officiate in Conference 2 division of Rugby Europe games with Nievas featuring in Finland's game against Norway while Neville, who officiated in the recently concluded Women's Rugby World Cup final will take charge of Norway's encounter against Denmark a couple of weeks later.
Neville also has the experience of being the assistant coach during the European Challenge Cup encounter between Bath and Bristol.
Meanwhile, former Spain international Nievas took charge as assistant coach in the Test between USA and Tonga last year and was later awarded Referee of the Year 2016 award by World Rugby. She also officiated in the Rugby Sevens at Rio Olympics.
Nigel Owens, who officiated in the Rugby World Cup 2015 welcomed the decision and wished the duo a successful outing.
"It's great to see a cross-section as men have been refereeing the women's game for a long time," said Owens to BBC Sport.
"What's important here is that the two girls concerned have got here on ability - not for the sake of ticking boxes. The two of them are very deserving and they're there on merit and it's a huge thing to remember.
"It doesn't matter about the colour of our skin, whether you're a man or a woman, your sexuality or religious beliefs. None of that should matter one bit. If you're good at what you do, then you should have the opportunity to excel at that and referee at the level you deserve.
"These two are getting what they deserve from the hard work they've done."
