HISTORY will officially be made when Hollie Davidson becomes the first female referee in men’s Six Nations history.
The Scot will officiate when Ireland host Italy on February 14.
Davidson is no stranger to making firsts in the men’s gameCredit: Getty
Davidson has two women’s World Cup finals under her beltCredit: AFP
This is the latest historic milestone for the 33-year-old.
She became Scottish Rugby’s first full-time female referee in 2017 and the first woman to referee a New Zealand Test in November, when they beat Wales 52-26 in Cardiff.
In addition to taking charge of the Ireland v Italy clash, she will also be one of the assistant referees for the final match of the 2026 Six Nations when France clash with England in Paris on 14 March.
Davidson said: “Refereeing in the Guinness Six Nations is a massive honour and a match I’m really looking forward to.
“The last year has been very memorable and I’m focused on continuing to perform well.
“To be the first woman to referee in the tournament is obviously a proud moment and an achievement I’ll properly be able to reflect on in years to come.”
Davidson is a referee and the Scottish is currently contracted to the Scottish Rugby Union.
She was a scrum half during her days as a player, but pivoted towards refereeing in 2015.
Making more history, she was the first assistant referee in the tournament for England vs Wales in the 2024 Six Nations.
Davidson during the Investec Champions Cup match between Northampton Saints and Vodacom BullsCredit: Getty
Her pedigree is evident for all to see.
She has overseen two Women’s Rugby World Cup finals, and her first match in the men’s 15s game came during a clash between Italy and Portugal, in which she was part of an all-female set of officials.
Davidson also made history at the Principality at the end of the 2024/25 rugby club season, becoming the first female official to take charge of the Challenge Cup final.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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