Hollie Davidson to become first woman to referee men’s Six Nations tie

Scotland’s Hollie Davidson will become the first woman to referee a men’s Six Nations game after being appointed to oversee the Ireland-Italy Six Nations game at Aviva Stadium on 14 February.

The 33-year old official was recently crowned the 2025 World Rugby Referee of the Year and has previously presided over two women’s World Cup finals, as well as last May’s Challenge Cup decider between Bath and Lyon.

World Rugby announced the full list of his officials for the 2026 Six Nations campaign, with Davidson assigned to take charge of Ireland’s home game with Italy on the second weekend.

England’s Karl Dickson is the only referee who has been appointed to take charge of two matches, both of which involve Ireland.

Dickson will officiate Ireland’s opener away to Grand Slam champions France, which kicks off the tournament on Thursday 5 February in Stade de France, the first ever Six Nations match played on a Thursday.

He refereed the same fixture in Marseille in 2024, when Ireland won 38-17, a critical result en route to a second successive Six Nations title. The English official will also oversee Ireland’s penultimate game at home to Wales.

Italy’s Andrea Piardi will referee Ireland’s Round 3 game away to England at Twickenham, while Luke Pearce will be the man in charge for the final game at home to Scotland on 14 March.

Irish referee Andrew Brace will take charge of the France-Italy fixture on Sunday 22 February.

Referees for Ireland’s 2026 Six Nations fixtures

France (away): Karl Dickson (ENG) – 5 Feb
Italy (home): Hollie Davidson (SCO) – 14 Feb
England (away): Andrea Piardi (ITA) – 21 Feb
Wales (home): Karl Dickson (ENG) – 6 Mar
Scotland (home): Luke Pearce (ENG) – 14 Mar