HOLLIE Davidson, a former Scotland Under-20 cap, has been appointed by Scottish Rugby as their first contracted female referee. The 24-year-old from Aberdeenshire has already officiated on this year’s World Rugby Sevens circuit, and will now join the Scottish Rugby Referees High Performance structure with the ultimate aim of becoming a referee at Test level.
“I am delighted to join Scottish Rugby as a contracted referee, having made the transition from player to match official and enjoyed refereeing from the moment I picked up the whistle,” Davidson said yesterday. “My focus next season will be on securing my position on the sevens circuit, and putting myself in contention for the top matches, while also developing within the 15-a-side game on a domestic level.”
Davidson began playing rugby at school in Aboyne, and went on to represent Edinburgh University while studying economic history. She also played for Murrayfield Wanderers in the capital, and was selected for the national under-20 team in seasons 2010-11 and 2011-12. The transition to refereeing began in earnest in late 2015 when she attended one of Scottish Rugby’s women-only refereeing courses.
“Refereeing rugby is completely different to playing,” she added. “It is the type of involvement where you have to stay mentally sharp and on the button for 80 minutes.
“It keeps you involved in the game, and match officials are often found in the clubhouse having conversations with teams after matches, as part of the rugby family. Although you are out on the park solo, there is a real team ethos among match officials. Whether you are part of a referee society or go up through the ranks and become an elite referee, the support to succeed is available.”
In addition to the appointment of Davidson, Scottish Rugby could soon sign more female players. At present Jade Konkel is the only one to have a contract.
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