Women’s Sport Week showcase: Hollie Davidson

To celebrate Women’s Sport Week 2016, Scottish Rugby is showcasing women who are making a difference to rugby in Scotland. Today we feature former Scotland Women U20 player Hollie Davidson who is making her mark as a referee.This week, Hollie was announced as one of 12 referees selected to officiate in the 2016/17 HSBC World Rugby Womens Sevens Series.Name: Hollie DavidsonAge: 24Club: Murrayfield WanderersRole: Player/referee/volunteer   I play and referee rugby because … it is a great way to keep fit, make friends and develop an inner determination required for such a diverse game. How long have you been involved in rugby? I have been playing rugby for about eight years and have been refereeing for about six months.Why did you get involved? Our school used to make trips down to BT Murrayfield to watch Scotland in the RBS 6 Nations and there was a big interest to start a girls team. I played most sports at school and thought I should try my hand at rugby, I have loved it ever since! I completed the UKCC Level 1 refereering course in October 2015 to develop my knowledge of rugby.  It made me realise that I really enjoyed this aspect of the game and it has provided me with a new challenge to persue. What do you love about rugby? I love the passion and integrity that runs throughout the game of rugby which is underpinned by respect for both players, supporters and officials. On and Off the field there is a real sense of a rugby community and family that I have not seen replicated elsewhere. Why should women get involved in rugby? It is a great way to socialise, keep fit and challenge yourself.  There are multiple avenues to get involved in rugby whether that is playing, refereeing, coaching or volunteering – more women need to grasp these opportunities.   How has sport made an impact on your life? Sport has shaped my life, it played the biggest part throughout my time at university and it developed personal skills necessary for the working world.  Teamwork, discipline, time management and respect are all essential attributes and I developed these through playing sport at school and university. What would you say to a woman or girl who is thinking about giving rugby a go? Give it a go and enjoy all the benefits that come with being part of a great sport and community.Try rugby this weekScottish clubs are welcoming new and returning players to free sessions during Women’s Sport Week from 3-9 October. Check out what is happening near you here and get along and give rugby a go.Women and girls can also sign up on scottishrugby.org to kick start their involvement in what is a unique game for all shapes, sizes and abilities. There are plenty of ways to get involved from coaching to refereeing and volunteering as well as playing.