History was made in the Six Nations over the weekend after Hollie Davidson became the first woman to referee a Six Nations match.
It has not been easy to get to this point. She has spoken openly about the challenges she has faced on her journey to the top of the game.
But this time, she was shown the respect she deserved for this achievement.
After Italy’s defeat 20-13 to Ireland, in which she refereed, a truly wholesome moment happened in Dublin at the end of the match. Her composed performance drew widespread praise from usupportersand players alike.
Italy captain Michele Lamaro ended his post-match press conference with an unprompted tribute to Davidson.
“I want to emphasise that the referee, Hollie Davidson, has been outstanding,” Lamaro said. “It’s obviously the first time for a woman to referee in the men’s Six Nations, and I want to congratulate her.
“She has been doing so much for world rugby and our game, and I think it’s important to say I appreciate the work we did together on the pitch. Whatever the decision was, I was backing her and ensuring everything was going well. I just want to congratulate her and thank her for the effort on the pitch.”
This is not the first time she has made history in rugby. She became the first woman to take charge of an All Backs match during the autumn when they faced Wales in Cardiff.
Davidson’s rise has not been without adversity. She has previously revealed she has been subjected to abuse from supporters, including online attacks following last season’s European Challenge Cup final between Bath and Lyon in Cardiff. This abuse also extended to members of her family.
“I made a wrong call on a head contact, and my name was being pulled through the mud, and then my family received abuse,” she explained.
“It really challenged me when I thought I was causing my family pain.
“You have to accept this is part and parcel of our job. But I hope we don’t get to a point where the only people left at the top are those who can hack it. Because then we don’t have the best officials, we just have the people with thicker skins.”
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