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Scottish referee Hollie Davidson to become first woman to take charge of men's Six Nations match when Italy face Ireland
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Updated 18/12/2025 at 17:30 GMT
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Scottish referee Hollie Davidson is poised to become the first woman to referee a men's Six Nations match, when she takes charge of Ireland v Italy in February. Davidson is one of the most experienced women professional referees. She will also be an assistant referee in the final match of next year's tournament, as England travel to Paris to play France in March.
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Scottish referee Hollie Davidson is set to become the first woman to officiate a men’s Six Nations match next year, when she takes charge of Italy’s trip to Ireland on February 14.
The 33-year-old official, who already has a string of career achievements, became Scottish rugby’s first full-time woman referee in 2017.
She became the first woman to referee a New Zealand Test, as the All Blacks defeated Wales 52-26 in Cardiff at the Principality Stadium.
Davidson has also refereed two Women’s Rugby World Cup finals, and was in charge for the 2025 European Challenge Cup final in Cardiff earlier this year, between English side Bath and French outfit, Lyon.
She has refereed at both the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, and was named in Scottish Rugby’s Hall of Fame in October.
Davidson will feature at the Six Nations beyond the Ireland v Italy match-up, as she will also be an assistant referee in the last game of the tournament, which will see France face off against old rivals England in Paris on March 14.
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"Refereeing in the Guinness Six Nations is a massive honour and a match I'm really looking forward to," Davidson said.
"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."
The assistant referees for the game in Dublin will be Matthew Carley and Luc Ramos, with Ian Tempest being the TMO.
The 2025 Six Nations was won by France, as the country lifted the trophy for the 19th time in the tournament's history. Ireland claimed the Triple Crown for the 14th time.
The opening round of the tournament sees holders France take on Ireland at Stade de France in Paris on February 5.
The match is being played on a Thursday night to avoid clashing with the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, which will take place at the San Siro the following evening, live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
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Italy will welcome Scotland to the famous Stadio Olimpico venue in Rome, while England host Wales at Twickenham.
Davidson is currently the only woman referee slated to take charge of any of the games.
In the recent Quilter Nations series - which often gives pointers towards the Six Nations - England were undefeated as they beat Australia 25-7, Fiji 38-18 and New Zealand 33-19, before concluding their four matches with a tight 27-23 win against Argentina.
France lost 32-17 to South Africa, defeated Fiji 34-21 and won 48-33 against Australia.
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