RUGBY ref Rachel Allen yesterday tied the knot with a burly player who knocked her over in a match.

Rachel, 33, from Newport, married Neville Boyland, 44, from Oxford, both pictured, at the Celtic Manor Resort yesterday.

As the Argus reported last week Rachel - who referees matches in Switzerland where she lives and works - was accidentally knocked over by Neville while refereeing a match four years ago.

Yesterday Rachel said of her wedding: "I have to admit being a touch judge in last year's women's rugby World Cup was much more nerve racking.

"I have been asked, 'Why are you getting married in Wales?' but look at it, it's absolutely beautiful today.

"It has been a fantastic day and there are many more to come."

Neville said: "I was a bit nervous before but I'm really happy now I've got my girl."

Proud mum Rosemary said: "Rachel looks absolutely gorgeous."

Father Rod, who coached Chepstow in the 1970s and was president of the Referees' Association in Asia during the 1980s, added: "We may have not been able to compete with Australia on Saturday (Wales lost in Sydney) but we can give them a run for their money with the weather today."