Scotland’s Hollie Davidson will make history this season when she becomes the first female official to be an assistant referee in a men’s Six Nations match.
The 31-year-old has been appointed as an assistant for England’s clash against Wales at Twickenham on 10 February, World Rugby announced. Davidson will be joined by fellow assistant official Ben O’Keeffe, with the New Zealander James Doleman the referee.
Davidson refereed the Women’s World Cup final between England and New Zealand in 2022, and worked as an assistant referee in three men’s World Cup warm-up Tests this year, including England v Fiji.
“It is a huge honour to be named as one of the assistant referees for the 2024 Guinness Six Nations,” Davidson told the Scottish Rugby Union website. “Being the first female official in Scotland to do so is something I am immensely proud of.
“To be involved in such an internationally renowned fixture is something I am massively looking forward to, and I can’t wait to start off 2024 at such an exciting tournament.”
The eagerly awaited Six Nations tournament opener between France and Ireland in Marseille on 2 February will be controlled by the English official Karl Dickson.