Hollie Davidson, a respected 31-year-old referee from Scotland, has been selected to make history as the first female official to serve as an assistant in a men’s Six Nations match. This groundbreaking appointment is scheduled to take place on February 10 at Twickenham, where she will officiate as an assistant in the highly anticipated clash between England and Wales.
Davidson’s impressive credentials include refereeing the women’s World Cup final between England and New Zealand in 2022, as well as working as an assistant referee in three men’s World Cup warm-up Tests earlier this year. Her considerable expertise and experience have rightfully earned her this pioneering role in the upcoming Six Nations tournament.
In expressing her gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity, Davidson stated, “It is a tremendous honour to be appointed as one of the assistant referees for the 2024 Six Nations. I am immensely proud to be the first female official in Scotland to do so. Participating in such a globally-renowned fixture is something I am eagerly anticipating, and I am excited to commence 2024 at such a prestigious tournament.”
Her appointment signifies a significant milestone for women in sports officiating and represents a positive stride towards diversity and inclusivity. This historic moment stands as a testament to her skill, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the sport of rugby.
As anticipation heightens for the Six Nations tournament, it is evident that Davidson’s presence will not only inspire aspiring female referees but also bring a fresh perspective to the world of men’s rugby. Her expertise has rightfully earned her a place on the international stage, where she will undoubtedly make a lasting impact.
In another notable development, the Six Nations tournament opener between France and Ireland in Paris on February 2 will be under the jurisdiction of English official Karl Dickson. This further underscores the diverse and inclusive composition of the officiating team for the upcoming tournament.
With esteemed individuals like Davidson and Dickson leading the way, the Six Nations tournament is poised to be an exciting and groundbreaking event, further solidifying rugby’s commitment to gender diversity and representation on the international stage.