Gabriel Lee Wing-yi had an extra spring in her step this weekend as she refereed matches in front of a 40,000 crowd.
Being the woman with the whistle is nothing new for Hong Kong's leading female referee - she has already been in charge of men's 15-a-side internationals - but this time she took the field after hearing she had been selected for the IRB's first-ever women's referee panel. That honour followed her impressive display in charge at the Women's Rugby World Cup last year.
Lee, 29, was one of eight selected for the panel, which will work to improve standards and preparation ahead of the World Cup Sevens in 2013, the Women's World Cup in 2014 and the sevens tournaments at the 2016 Olympics.
'It's really good for Hong Kong rugby and Asian rugby that we're qualified to be on the panel and I'm really pleased to be a part of it,' said Lee as she took a breather after sprinting up and down the touchline in the England-Russia Cup quarter-final.
'I hope it will inspire more female referees in Hong Kong, and for me personally it's great to travel around, referee better-quality games and improve my standard. I'll still have to do my day job,' added the immigration officer, 'but they'll probably give me more appointments overseas, not just in Asia.'
Lee is a Hong Kong Sevens regular, but still loves the experience. 'This is my fourth time but it's still as exciting as ever. Every year has got something different about it. It's been pretty good, there have been some really exciting games.'