Wednesday 27 September 2017 11:53, UK
Alhambra Nievas and Joy Neville will become the first two female referees in history to officiate men's international games later this year.
Spain's Nievas, who was named Referee of the Year 2016 at the World Rugby Awards, will take charge of the Conference 2 division of Rugby Europe game between Finland and Norway on October 14.
Nievas was previously an assistant referee for the match between USA and Tonga as well as an official in the rugby Sevens at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She has also officiated at the Women's Six Nations and Women's Rugby World Cup.
Former Irish international Neville, who became the first female assistant referee to officiate in a European rugby match during Bath's Challenge Cup game against Bristol, will take charge of Norway's match against Denmark on October 28.
David McHugh, IRFU referee performance manager, said: "Joy has proven time and again her ability as a referee.
"She has an astute rugby brain and great empathy for the players and this combination, coupled with a strong work ethic, has enabled her to continue to reach new heights as a referee."
Professional referee Nigel Owens is pleased to finally see women referees getting a chance to officiate in the men's game.
He added: "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."
