Hollie Davidson stood down from the entire Women's Six Nations

Friday, 10 April 2026 at 07:48

byRugby Rucker

Hollie Davidson will not be involved in officiating this year’s Women’s Six Nations, with the Scottish referee instead continuing her rapid rise in the men’s professional game.

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Davidson, widely regarded as one of the breakout stars of international refereeing, is scheduled to take charge of a Challenge Cup fixture this weekend. Her absence from the Women’s Six Nations may surprise some fans, given her strong performances in previous editions of the tournament, but it reflects the growing demand for her services at the highest level of the sport.

The 2026 Women’s Six Nations gets underway this weekend with an exciting opening round of fixtures: France v Italy, England v Ireland, and Wales v Scotland. The championship runs over five rounds and concludes in mid-May, with several blockbuster clashes expected to shape the title race.

Adding further significance to her recent appointments, Davidson will make history next Saturday when she referees a Top 14 encounter between ASM Clermont Auvergne and Lyon OU. The milestone marks another step forward for female officials in the men’s game and underlines the trust placed in her by rugby’s governing bodies.

Known for her calm authority, excellent communication, and consistent decision-making, Davidson has earned widespread respect from players and coaches alike.

While her absence will be felt in the Women’s Six Nations, her continued progression on the global stage signals a broader shift within rugby officiating—one where merit and performance are increasingly the defining factors.

As Davidson prepares to break new ground in France, her journey continues to inspire the next generation of referees and highlights the evolving landscape of the modern game.

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.

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.

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