Hollie Davidson reveals sexist abuse she suffered — and sends message to trolls

Monday, 20 April 2026 at 21:30

bySteven Smith

Hollie Davidson has opened up about the darker side of her rise in professional rugby, revealing the sustained abuse she has faced both on and off the pitch.

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“It wasn’t just the odd comment,” she told The Guardian. “It was relentless at times — messages, shouts from the stands, things that stick with you longer than you want them to.”

Davidson described how the criticism often went beyond her performance as a referee. “People felt entitled to make it personal. It stopped being about decisions in a game and started being about me as a person.”

She admitted that some of the abuse caught her off guard early in her career. “You think you’re prepared for pressure, but you’re not prepared for that level of hostility. It’s something no one really warns you about.”

Despite the challenges, she remains determined not to let it define her. “If I let those voices win, I wouldn’t still be here. I’ve worked too hard to be pushed out by people who don’t even know me.”

Davidson also highlighted the broader issue within sport. “This isn’t just my experience. There are so many officials and players dealing with the same thing quietly. It needs to be called out.”

She hopes speaking publicly will encourage change. “The more we talk about it, the harder it becomes for people to ignore. Silence only protects the behaviour.”

Reflecting on her journey, she added: “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I won’t let abuse take that away from me. But it shouldn’t be part of the job — for anyone.”

Her message is ultimately one of resilience, but also of accountability. “We all love sport. That passion should never turn into something that harms the people who make the game possible.”

Hollie Davidson split from Scotland legend after decade-long relationship

She has since added another landmark to her career, becoming the first woman to referee a match in the Top 14.

Here are 10 things you might not know about trailblazing Scottish official Hollie Davidson.

Hollie Davidson facts:

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.

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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. Former partner

Hollie is thought to be single after splitting from her long-term partner Helen Nelson, who she dated for over 10 years. Nelson is a Scotland Women's legend, winning 75 caps and scoring 236 points.

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