Hollie Davidson return date confirmed after being stood down

Friday, 08 May 2026 at 08:35

byRugby Rucker

Hollie Davidson is back in action this weekend after taking a short break from officiating following a historic run of appointments.

⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!

The Scottish referee continues to make history in the professional game and recently became the first female official to referee in France’s prestigious Top 14 competition.

That milestone came shortly after Davidson broke new ground in the Guinness Six Nations by becoming the first woman to referee in the men’s championship.

Following a demanding period at the top level, Davidson was handed an extended break, with many expecting her to take charge of several high-profile fixtures during this summer’s Nations Championship.

Her return comes in another major fixture as she has been appointed to referee the clash between Leinster Rugby and Lions this weekend.

Davidson has earned widespread praise for her performances over the past few seasons and is now regarded as one of the leading referees in world rugby.

Her continued rise represents another significant moment for the game as she continues to break barriers at the highest level of professional rugby union.

BKT United Rugby Championship – Round 17

Glasgow Warriors v Cardiff Rugby
Referee: Eoghan Cross (Ire – 39th game)
ARs: Ru Campbell (Sco) & David Sutherland (Sco)
TMO: Colin Stanley (Ire)

Ulster Rugby v DHL Stormers
Referee: Andrea Piardi (Ita – 60th game)
ARs: Padraic Reidy (Ire) & Jack MacNeice (Ire)
TMO: Matteo Liperini (Ita)

Vodacom Bulls v Zebre Parma
Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wal – 115th game)
ARs: Griffin Colby (SA) & Dylen November (SA)
TMO: Adam Jones (Wal)

Hollywoodbets Sharks v Benetton Rugby
Referee: Ben Breakspear (Wal – 20th game)
ARs: Hanru van Rooyen (SA) & Stephan Geldenhuys (SA)
TMO: Craig Evans (Wal)

Ospreys v Scarlets
Referee: Ben Connor (Wal – 8th game)
ARs: Carwyn Sion (Wal) & Gareth Newman (Wal)
TMO: Keith David (Wal)

Leinster Rugby v Fidelity SecureDrive Lions
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Sco – 28th game)
ARs: Keane Davison (Ire) & Stuart Gaffikin (Ire)
TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Sco)

Dragons RFC v Edinburgh Rugby
Referee: Filippo Russo (Ita – 9th game)
ARs: Lucas Yendle (Wal) & Marcus Caudle (Wal)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (Ita)

Connacht Rugby v Munster Rugby
Referee: Peter Martin (Ire – 15th game)
ARs: Andrew Brace (Ire) & Sam Holt (Ire)
TMO: Mark Patton (Ire)

LATEST RUGBY NEWS

Hollie Davidson: 10 Facts About the Former Banker

1. She Made Six Nations History

In 2024, Davidson became the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations match — one of rugby union’s most prestigious tournaments, featuring England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. It was a watershed moment not just for her career, but for the sport itself.

2. She Didn’t Start Out as a Referee

Davidson originally played rugby growing up in Scotland and at university level. Like many elite officials, she transitioned into refereeing after her playing career — discovering a talent for leadership and game management.

3. She Worked in Banking Before Rugby

Before becoming a full-time referee, Davidson worked in banking after studying economic history at the University of Edinburgh. She previously held a role with J.P. Morgan before committing fully to officiating.

4. She Became Scotland’s First Full-Time Female Pro Referee

In 2017, she made history by becoming Scotland’s first full-time professional female referee — a major milestone in Scottish Rugby’s development pathway.

5. She Officiated at the Rugby World Cup

Davidson was selected as an assistant referee at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, rugby’s biggest global stage. Selection reflects the high regard in which she is held by the sport’s governing body.

6. She Starred at the Women’s Rugby World Cup

Prior to her men’s Six Nations breakthrough, Davidson had already refereed major matches at the Women’s Rugby World Cup, further proving her credentials at the highest level.

7. She’s Part of an Elite Global Referee Panel

Davidson works within World Rugby’s high-performance referee program, undergoing extensive law exams, match reviews, and fitness testing to maintain elite standards.

8. She Has Officiated Top Club Rugby

Beyond international tournaments, Davidson has refereed in the United Rugby Championship, one of Europe’s premier professional competitions. Her appointments in top-tier men’s club rugby paved the way for her Six Nations breakthrough.

9. Fitness Is Key to Her Success

Modern referees cover significant distances during matches — often comparable to players. Davidson trains year-round to maintain the pace, positioning, and sharp decision-making required at elite level.

10. She’s Inspiring the Next Generation

Davidson’s appointment sent a powerful message to aspiring officials around the world: elite refereeing is about performance and ability. Her rise through the ranks demonstrates that barriers in sport can be challenged — and changed.

The richest owners in Prem Rugby (Ranked 5-1)

Completed Saracens signing for next season falls through