Hollie Davidson had no hesitation naming the toughest player she's refereed

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 at 09:44

byRugby Rucker

Hollie Davidson has established herself as one of the world's leading referees, earning widespread praise for her performances at the highest level of the game.

The Scottish official has continued to break new ground in men's rugby, with her calm authority, clear communication and outstanding understanding of the laws seeing her entrusted with some of the sport's biggest fixtures.

Davidson's rapid rise through the professional ranks has made her one of the most respected officials in international rugby, with appointments to major Test matches and elite club competitions underlining her growing reputation.

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Hollie Davidson Makes History in the Six Nations

Earlier this year, Davidson became the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations Championship match.

The landmark appointment saw her take charge of the clash between Italy national rugby union team and Wales national rugby union team, a significant milestone for both Davidson and the sport as a whole.

First Female Referee in the Top 14

Davidson also made history in the Top 14 by becoming the first woman to referee in France’s premier domestic competition.

The appointment further underlined her growing stature in international rugby and demonstrated the trust placed in her by the game’s leading governing bodies.

A Career Built on Major Rugby Milestones

Before making history in the Six Nations and Top 14, Davidson had already established herself on the world stage.

She officiated at the Rugby World Cup and has regularly taken charge of major European and international fixtures, including matches involving some of the sport’s biggest stars.

Which England Player Does Hollie Davidson Find Toughest to Referee?

Given her experience officiating elite players across the globe, Davidson was recently asked to name the player she finds the most difficult to manage.

Speaking on a popular rugby podcast, she singled out one England international whose understanding of the laws consistently challenges referees.

“Maro Itoje is probably one of the toughest players to referee.”

Why Maro Itoje Is So Difficult to Referee

Maro Itoje is widely regarded as one of the smartest forwards in world rugby.

The England lock is known for:

Exceptional knowledge of the laws
Constant involvement at the breakdown
Tactical questioning of referees
Operating right on the edge of legality

Davidson’s remark was intended as a compliment and highlights the immense respect she has for Itoje’s rugby intelligence.

Six LGBT+ rugby stars who inspire us to be ourselves on and off the field

From players to referees, these individuals have not only excelled at the highest level but have also helped make rugby a more inclusive space for everyone.

Here are six inspiring figures who continue to make a difference.

Nigel Owens

Few figures in rugby are as widely respected as Nigel Owens. One of the most experienced referees in the history of the game, Owens officiated at a Rugby World Cup Final and became known for his calm authority and quick wit.

Off the field, his impact has been just as powerful. Owens came out publicly in 2007 and has since spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and identity growing up in rural Wales. His honesty has helped countless fans and players feel less alone, proving that authenticity and success can go hand in hand.

Campbell Johnstone

Campbell Johnstone made history as the first All Blacks player to come out as gay. His announcement was a landmark moment not just for rugby union, but for global sport.

Johnstone’s decision to speak openly was driven by a desire to create a safer, more accepting environment for future players. By stepping forward, he challenged long-standing stereotypes and showed that even in one of the most traditionally masculine teams in sport, there is room for openness and inclusion.

Jack Dunne

Irish forward Jack Dunne has been a strong advocate for inclusivity in rugby. Having played professionally in Ireland and abroad, Dunne has used his platform to promote diversity and challenge outdated attitudes within the sport.

By being open about his identity, he’s helping to normalize conversations around sexuality in rugby dressing rooms—spaces that have historically been difficult for LGBT athletes. His visibility matters, especially for younger players navigating similar journeys.

Hannah Botterman

England international Hannah Botterman has become one of the standout props in the women’s game, representing England Women's Rugby Union Team on the biggest stages.

Botterman is also proudly open about her sexuality and is part of a generation of players helping to make women’s rugby one of the most inclusive environments in sport. Her presence reinforces the idea that athletes can be unapologetically themselves while competing at the highest level.

Hollie Davidson

Trailblazing referee Hollie Davidson has broken barriers both as an elite official and as an openly gay woman in rugby. She became the first woman to referee a match in the Six Nations Championship, marking a major milestone in the sport.

Off the field, Davidson was in a long-term relationship with a Scotland international for around a decade, further highlighting her deep ties to the game at every level. She has also refereed top-tier men’s fixtures, underlining her status as one of the leading officials in world rugby.

Davidson’s visibility is doubly important—representing both women and the LGBT community in a role traditionally dominated by men. Her rise shows that rugby is evolving, opening doors for a more diverse generation of officials.

Craig Maxwell-Keys

Craig Maxwell-Keys is one of England’s leading referees, regularly officiating in the Premiership Rugby and on the international stage.

Openly gay, Maxwell-Keys has spoken about the importance of inclusion within rugby and the responsibility that comes with visibility. By simply being himself in such a prominent role, he helps dismantle stereotypes and encourages others in the sport to do the same.

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