Sport

First all-female team of rugby referees in men's test

14:13 pm on 31 May 2022

Scotland's Hollie Davidson will lead the first all-female team of referees to officiate a men's test when she takes charge of a match between Portugal and Italy next month.

Davidson, who has already officiated a men's test between Malta and Cyprus in March 2019, will also become the first female referee in a test featuring one of the Six Nations sides.

Davidson will be supported by assistant referees Sara Cox and Aurelie Groizeleau, as well as television match official Claire Hodnett.

Photo: Photosport

"To be the first woman to referee a men's Six Nations team is a tremendous honour and an achievement I am proud of," said Davidson, who will also officiate a men's test between Canada and Belgium in July.

"I have been happy with my progress in the last couple of years and working as a full-time professional referee with Scottish Rugby has really helped that."

Davidson will be part of an 18-strong team of officials, which includes 15 women, at the women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand later this year.

-Reuters