The 33-year-old became the first woman to referee a Six Nations match as Ireland took on Italy in Dublin
Davidson has received praise for her history-making performance(Image: Evan Treacy/Getty Images)
Referee Hollie Davidson made history on Saturday as she became the first woman to take charge of a Six Nations match.
The 33-year-old was in the middle as Ireland edged past Italy at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Andy Farrell’s side went into the half-time break behind as Italy impressed with an assured first-half performance, with a try from hooker Giacomo Nicotera and the boot of Paolo Garbisi giving them a 10-5 lead at the interval.
But after Jack Conan crossed to draw his side level minutes into the second half, Italy had a try disallowed and Robert Baloucoune went over to help Ireland to a nervy 20-13 win.
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With Italy looking to make history and Ireland desperate to get back to winning ways following their defeat to France last week, it was unsurprisingly a game with plenty of niggle, with tensions spilling over on occasion as scuffles broke out.
However, in an age where seemingly every other Test match is overshadowed by moments of controversy and contentious refereeing decisions, Saturday’s match passed largely without incident.
As a result, Davidson – who was crowned the winner of the World Rugby Referee Award last year – has been praised for her performance in her first Six Nations match, as she kept her cool and did not let the pressure of the occasion get to her.
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In particular, fans were impressed with her authoratitive approach and communication skills, with one taking to X to write: “Enjoying Hollie Davidson in the Ireland vs Italy game.
“Clear coms and no nonsense. If the ref is good enough, their gender is irrelevant. Based on what I’ve seen (granted, not much), not many better refs out there.”
“Just watching Ireland v Italy in the Six Nations,” wrote another. “Hollie Davidson is the ref today. She’s been brilliant so far. Again, how refreshing is it to be able to listen to her every word, to understand her thinking and her decisions.”
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A third wrote: “Hollie Davidson reffing this brilliant, her communication is very clear,” while another said: “Unlike so many, Hollie Davidson has absolutely no desire whatsoever to be the main character in the game, and is a far better referee for it.
“Hollie Davidson has refereed this game superbly,” said another, while one said her performance was “flawless”.
“Big respect and congratulations to Hollie Davidson,” wrote one viewer. “The first ever female referee in the Six Nations. She’s had a brilliant game and hopefully she’ll be called on for many more Six Nations games.”
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