Scottish referee Hollie Davidson is set to break new ground in European rugby by becoming the first woman to officiate a European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR) final.
She will take charge of the EPCR Challenge Cup final between Bath and Lyon on May 23, 2025, at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
This appointment also marks the first time since 1998 that a Scottish referee has been selected to oversee a European club rugby final, following in the footsteps of Jim Fleming, who officiated Bath’s Heineken Cup victory over Brive.
Davidson’s career has been marked by several pioneering achievements. She became the first female referee to officiate a Tier 1 men’s international match when she took charge of the Portugal vs. Italy game in June 2022 . Her resume includes officiating high-profile matches such as the Women’s Rugby World Cup final in 2022, the Rugby World Cup Sevens final, the Commonwealth Games Sevens final, and the Olympic Sevens in 2021.
In addition to her international assignments, Davidson has been a trailblazer in European club rugby. She made her debut in the EPCR Champions Cup this season and has served as an assistant referee in both the Rugby Championship and Men’s Six Nations.
Davidson’s historic appointment to the Challenge Cup final underscores her significant contributions to rugby and her role in paving the way for greater inclusivity in the sport.
