The Scottish official, who became the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations game, now enjoys a popularity rarely afforded to those who aren’t players
Six Nations referee Hollie Davidson’s new-found fame and status as a rugby celebrity were confirmed at the URC match between Edinburgh and the Scarlets this weekend.
The official, who became the first woman to take charge of a men’s Six Nations match when Ireland played Italy in the second round of the tournament last month, has a growing number of fans in the game for her performances on the pitch and easy going personality off it.
Davidson was assistant referee at the Scarlets game on Friday night but she took centre stage with supporters outside the ground as she was mobbed for autographs and pictures. She was even cheered throughout the game as fans on her side of the pitch called out her name.
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Such a warm response to an official is almost unheard of in other sports, with Davidson seemingly as popular as the players on show. Officials are more often maligned by those in the stands and few enjoy such adoration.
A video of her meeting fans was posted by the official United Rugby Championship social media account, with fans loving the rare chemistry between a referee and young fans in particular.
One said: “Absolutely love her SO MUCH!”
Another added: “My husband was there and said kids were calling out to her from the stands. How nice.”
“Love this! And love that the fans and players love her!,” added another.
The 33-year-old has previously told how she received unpleasant and sexist abuse when officiating matches but that has all changed in recent times.
She was crowned the winner of the World Rugby Referee Award last year and was widely praised for her performance in her first Six Nations match, as she kept her cool and did not let the pressure of the historic occasion get to her.
Fans were impressed with her approach and communication skills, while Nigel Owens, perhaps the only other rugby official to previously enjoy a similar profile, praised her for the achievement.
Owens said: “She’s really impressed me, and Saturday was a thoroughly deserved opportunity for her.
“Hollie was appointed to this game on merit and on credit because she hugely deserves that appointment, and she did a pretty good job overall.
“It’s the first of hopefully many for her because she certainly is continuing to grow as a referee, and that’s why I think it’s been very, very well received throughout the rugby world and beyond.”
Italy captain Michele Lamaro made a point of pausing his press conference after the Six Nations match to congratulate Davidson, saying: “I want to emphasise that the referee, Hollie Davidson has been outstanding. It’s obviously the first time ever for a woman 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 an important thing to say.”