SINGAPORE - Rugby sevens is set to make its debut at the Olympics, and the Republic will have a part to play in the event next week.

National women's rugby coach Wang Shao-Ing will be the event's sole judicial officer.

In her role, the 39-year-old is tasked with ensuring clean game-play across all 76 matches, both the men's and women's events, in the three-day competition. She has the authority to determine disciplinary matters arising from players who receive a red card, or when there is a foul that a referee fails to spot.

Wang, an adjunct lecturer at Singapore Polytechnic, received the invitation to officiate at the event in March, and she will be leaving Singapore for Rio de Janeiro on Friday morning.

She said: "I was in disbelief at first. There are over 200 judicial officers around and some of them are rather distinguished judges and former judges. So I'm really humbled to be appointed."

Even though she is surprised by her appointment, she is not new to the job. She officiated at two stops of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, in Singapore and the most prestigious round in Hong Kong.