Joint Referee's Award
It was also the first time the award has been made for what is essentially Sevens refereeing.
The recent of the award are Spain's Alhambra Nievas Gonzalez and South Africa's Fhatuwani Rasivhenge, whom the world knows as Rasta from the dreadlocks he wore in more youthful days.
In making the joint award World Rugby acknowledged the historic breakthrough this year of the inclusion of rugby Sevens in the Olympic Games. Alhambra Nievas refereed the Women's final, which Australia won, and Rasivhenge the Men's final which Fiji won.
Both are top referees in their country. Rasivhenge is the youngest referee to referee a Currie Cup final, which he did in 2015. Alhambra Nievas referees in Spain's División de Honor, the top men's competition.
This year Rasivhenge refereed his first 15's Tests but is probably the best-known Sevens referee in the world
Alhambra Nievas has also travelled widely in her refereeing, mostly in the 15s game. Last week she refereed at The Stoop in Twickenham when England played France in a women's test and her next appointment is at Twickenham when England's women play Canada's. She has also been an assistant referee in a men's test – USA vs Tonga.
It was a splendid achievement for both of them on a splendid occasion.
