Davidson first female to referee European rugby final in Cardiff

Hollie Davidson will make history as the first female official to referee a European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) final, overseeing the Challenge Cup match between Bath and Lyon at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Davidson, a Scottish referee, also becomes the first Scot to officiate an EPCR final since Jim Fleming in 1998. She has considerable experience, having been part of officiating teams for the 2024 and 2025 Six Nations and the 2024 Rugby Championship. In addition to the Challenge Cup final, Davidson will referee the first Test between South Africa and Italy in Pretoria in July. Davidson expressed her excitement and pride in reaching this milestone, highlighting the significance of European rugby as the pinnacle of the professional game. Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli will oversee the Investec Champions Cup final the day after Davidson's match.