Davidson set for first men’s professional referee appointment

Scottish official Hollie Davidson is set to referee Newcastle Falcons vs Castres in round 3 of the European Challenge Cup on Saturday 16 January, marking her first men’s professional referee appointment.

English referee Sara Cox has also received an appointment in the competition, meaning Davidson and Cox will both follow Joy Neville as female officials to referee in the European Challenge Cup.

Davidson has already enjoyed appointments as an Assistant Referee in both the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup this season and she is looking forward to taking the next step in this competition.

“I couldn’t quite believe it when I got the phone call. I am hugely excited by the appointment, and I’m looking forward to being tested at the next level of rugby. I’m sure I’ll have butterflies in my stomach but I’m just looking to go out there and do the basics well.”
Hollie Davidson

Davidson last took to the centre of the pitch on 21 November 2020, overseeing the nail-biting women’s fixture between England v France at Twickenham which resulted in a 25-23 victory for the Red Roses.

Discussing her recent involvement, the former Scotland Women’s U20 player said: “It was great to be involved in the England v France women’s fixture back in November. To referee a game of that standard mid-pandemic was a privilege.”

“I feel very fortunate to have been involved in both international and professional-club fixtures during these uncertain times as it has kept my brain ticking over and I feel it has put me in a strong position building up to this career milestone.”

Competition organisers also announced three additional refereeing appointments for Scottish Rugby referees Mike Adamson, Ben Blain and Sam Grove-White in rounds three and four of the Champions and Challenge Cup.

Andrew Macpherson, Referee Development Manager at Scottish Rugby said: “On behalf of Scottish Rugby, I would like to extend my congratulations to Hollie on the appointment to her first professional men’s fixture. It is fantastic to see her hard work recognised and she thoroughly deserves this opportunity.”

Appointments in full:

Hollie Davidson
16/01 Newcastle Falcons v Castres (Ref)

Mike Adamson
Montpellier v Wasps (Ref)

Ben Blain
15/01 Pau v London Irish (Ref)

Sam Grove-White
23/01 Worcester v Pau (Ref)