Scottish Rugby have revealed that 28-year-old Scottish referee Hollie Davidson is due to take charge of her first ever men’s professional match when she takes the lead role of Newcastle Falcons v Castres in the Challenge Cup on January 16th.
The former under-20 international became Scotland’s first female professional referee in 2017 and 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
Davidson has already been an assistant in the Pro14 and Europe, and will make her historic steps into the top officiating role on January 16th.
“I couldn’t quite believe it when I got the phone call,” the 28-year-old said.
“I am hugely excited by the appointment, and I’m looking forward to being tested at the next level of rugby.”
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.
Congratulations to @HollieDavidson0, who is set to referee her first professional men’s match later this month in the @ERChallengeCup.
Full story 👇https://t.co/g8qoWoSTZt
— Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) January 6, 2021
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.”