Davidson makes history in Scarlets vs Cheetahs

Scotland‘s Hollie Davidson is set to lead the first ever all-female officiating team in a men’s European rugby match this Friday.

The 30-year-old will be assisted by England‘s Sara Cox and Italy‘s Clara Munarini, while Claire Hodnett will take TMO duties and Helen O’Reilly will be Citing Commissioner as Scarlets take on Toyota Cheetahs in the EPRC Challenge Cup. 

Davidson is already familiar with history making. She was part of the first all-female team to officiate a Tier 1 men’s Test match last June when she took charge of Italy’s clash with Portugal.

In 2017 she became Scottish rugby’s first full-time professional female referee.

✨ History makers ✨

For the first time, an all-women’s team of match officials led by Hollie Davidson will take charge of a @ChallengeCup_ match next weekend 💪

More info👇#HeinekenChampionsCup | #ChallengeCupRugby

— Heineken Champions Cup (@ChampionsCup) January 6, 2023

She also led proceedings at the 2021 Rugby World Cup final last November which saw England’s Red Roses lose dramatically in the final moments to reigning champions New Zealand following a critical red card to Lydia Thompson.

The former Murrayfield Wanderers scrum half emerged from the tournament as the first female to referee World Cup finals in both sevens and 15s.

Munarini is no stranger to records either, becoming the first woman to referee a men’s senior final in Italy last year as Petrarca clinched the Coppa Italia against Fiamme Oro.

Davidson will take charge this Friday at 8pm UK time as Scarlets welcome the Cheetahs and look to cement a top spot in Pool B.

Written by Elise Hamersley

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