Ashbourne referee ready to step onto the world stage

Ashbourne referee Helen O'Reilly will take a step onto the global stage when she takes charge of the France v Wales tie at the Women's  Rugby World Cup  in France this evening.

The 39-year-old played rugby for Ashbourne and St Mary's RFC in Dublin before turning her attentions to refereeing.

O'Reilly has taken charge of many games in the men's Leinster League and she has also officiated at Women's Six Nations games including and encounter between France and England in France before 15,000 spectators.

Ireland also kick-start their World Cup campaign this evening when they take on the USA at Marcoussis, just outside Paris.

Grave Davitt and Marie Louise Reilly have been named in the Irish starting 15 while Jackie Shiels is among the named replacements. The Irish game starts at 4.0 and is screened live on TG4.