Hollie Davidson will make history as the first woman to referee a New Zealand men’s rugby game. She is set to officiate the final match of the All Blacks’ northern tour against Wales in Cardiff this weekend.
Davidson recently refereed her second Women’s World Cup final, a milestone that highlights her rising career in rugby officiating. She became Scottish rugby’s first full-time professional women’s referee in 2017 and has since expanded her aspirations to include the men’s game at the highest levels.
She describes this upcoming match as “another 80 minutes of rugby,” emphasizing her focus on the game rather than the uniqueness of the occasion. Davidson acknowledges the difference in familiarity with the players, as she knows many Welsh players from the United Rugby Championship but fewer from the All Blacks. Maintaining concentration and effective communication with the captains will be key to her approach.
The Scottish referee points out that men’s rugby often involves more physicality, especially around the breakdown and set pieces, compared to the women’s game. Despite this, she values the positives of refereeing both, appreciating the environments and ethos in women’s rugby.
Davidson’s family’s support remains important, as they were present at the recent Women’s World Cup final in New Zealand. She recalls the emotional experience of her father being nervous while watching the game, highlighting the personal sacrifices behind her professional achievements.
Looking ahead, Davidson aims to referee a men’s Six Nations match within the next one to two years. However, she stresses the importance of staying focused on present opportunities rather than looking too far ahead. Her ultimate goal is to continue progressing and possibly officiate at future global tournaments like the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Her journey reflects a combination of talent, dedication, and ambition, making her a pioneering figure in rugby officiating. This historic fixture in Cardiff marks another step in her evolving career and a significant moment for women officials in men’s rugby.