One of the breakout stars of the\u00a02026 Six Nations\u00a0wasn\u2019t a player in boots, but a referee with a whistle. Scottish official\u00a0Hollie Davidson\u00a0made history by becoming the\u00a0first woman to referee a men\u2019s Six Nations match, marking a landmark moment for rugby.<\/p>\n
The Scot took charge as\u00a0Ireland survived a major scare against Italy, delivering a composed performance on one of rugby\u2019s biggest stages and earning widespread praise.<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Save us to your Google Favourites <\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n A landmark moment for rugby<\/p>\n Davidson\u2019s appointment represented a major milestone for the sport, highlighting the growing recognition of female officials at the elite level of the men\u2019s game.<\/p>\n But while her rise has been historic, it hasn\u2019t come without challenges.<\/p>\n Abuse and trolling along the way<\/p>\n Davidson has had to navigate a difficult path to the top of international officiating. After refereeing her\u00a0first men\u2019s fixture in 2021, she faced online abuse from trolls following a controversial decision during the\u00a0European Challenge Cup final between Bath and Lyon in Cardiff last season.<\/p>\n Sadly, negative experiences have not been limited to the men\u2019s game.<\/p>\n Speaking to\u00a0The Guardian<\/a>, Davidson recalled a particularly difficult moment after a\u00a02022 Women\u2019s Six Nations clash between France and England.<\/p>\n \u201cI prepped the same and went into the game physically feeling really good,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n However, the match quickly became a tough learning experience.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I missed a penalty try against England and a simple yellow card. The reaction after the game was shocking.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were escorted off the pitch, we had stuff thrown at us and were spat on.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those two big decisions went against France. I wasn\u2019t on the money and I received a lot of abuse and hatred.\u201d<\/p>\n