No Hollie Davidson This Weekend? Women’s Six Nations Hit by Referee Absence

The two officials have been wrapped in cotton wool ahead of next weekend’s massive Investec Champions Cup Final showdown between Leinster Rugby and Union Bordeaux Bègles at San Mamés Stadium in Bilbao.

EPCR confirmed earlier this week that Dickson will referee the showpiece decider on Saturday, 23 May — the first European final appointment of his career.

He’ll be joined by England’s Christophe Ridley and Davidson on the touchlines, while South African official Marius van der Westhuizen takes on TMO duties.

With the biggest club fixture in world rugby just days away, neither Dickson nor Davidson have been risked this weekend, allowing them a clear run into the final.

And it’s not just next weekend they’ll be preparing for.

This summer is shaping up to be one of the busiest periods ever for elite officials, with the new World Rugby Nations Championship era beginning in July alongside summer Tests, northern hemisphere tours and a packed global calendar.

Davidson in particular continues to break new ground at the top level of the men’s game. The Scottish official has become one of the most trusted referees in world rugby following standout performances in the Six Nations Championship and United Rugby Championship.

Meanwhile, Dickson’s appointment is another huge statement from both EPCR and World Rugby, underlining his rapid rise into the elite bracket of international referees ahead of the next World Cup cycle.

EPCR also confirmed that Matthew Carley will referee the EPCR Challenge Cup Final between Montpellier Hérault Rugby and Ulster Rugby on Friday, 22 May.

He’ll be assisted by Andrea Piardi and Craig Evans, with Mike Adamson serving as TMO.

It feels a surprise that Hollie Davidson was not involved in the Women’s Six Nations this year. After making history in both the men’s Six Nations and the Top 14, her profile has never been bigger — and women’s rugby is growing fast enough to benefit from figures with genuine crossover recognition. Davidson is no longer just a trailblazer; she is one of rugby’s standout officials full stop.

From players to referees, these individuals have not only excelled at the highest level but have also helped make rugby a more inclusive space for everyone.

Here are six inspiring figures who continue to make a difference.

Few figures in rugby are as widely respected as Nigel Owens. One of the most experienced referees in the history of the game, Owens officiated at a Rugby World Cup Final and became known for his calm authority and quick wit.

Off the field, his impact has been just as powerful. Owens came out publicly in 2007 and has since spoken openly about his struggles with mental health and identity growing up in rural Wales. His honesty has helped countless fans and players feel less alone, proving that authenticity and success can go hand in hand.

Campbell Johnstone made history as the first All Blacks player to come out as gay. His announcement was a landmark moment not just for rugby union, but for global sport.

Johnstone’s decision to speak openly was driven by a desire to create a safer, more accepting environment for future players. By stepping forward, he challenged long-standing stereotypes and showed that even in one of the most traditionally masculine teams in sport, there is room for openness and inclusion.

Irish forward Jack Dunne has been a strong advocate for inclusivity in rugby. Having played professionally in Ireland and abroad, Dunne has used his platform to promote diversity and challenge outdated attitudes within the sport.

By being open about his identity, he’s helping to normalize conversations around sexuality in rugby dressing rooms—spaces that have historically been difficult for LGBT athletes. His visibility matters, especially for younger players navigating similar journeys.

England international Hannah Botterman has become one of the standout props in the women’s game, representing England Women's Rugby Union Team on the biggest stages.

Botterman is also proudly open about her sexuality and is part of a generation of players helping to make women’s rugby one of the most inclusive environments in sport. Her presence reinforces the idea that athletes can be unapologetically themselves while competing at the highest level.

Trailblazing referee Hollie Davidson has broken barriers both as an elite official and as an openly gay woman in rugby. She became the first woman to referee a match in the Six Nations Championship, marking a major milestone in the sport.

Off the field, Davidson was in a long-term relationship with a Scotland international for around a decade, further highlighting her deep ties to the game at every level. She has also refereed top-tier men’s fixtures, underlining her status as one of the leading officials in world rugby.

Davidson’s visibility is doubly important—representing both women and the LGBT community in a role traditionally dominated by men. Her rise shows that rugby is evolving, opening doors for a more diverse generation of officials.

Craig Maxwell-Keys is one of England’s leading referees, regularly officiating in the Premiership Rugby and on the international stage.

Openly gay, Maxwell-Keys has spoken about the importance of inclusion within rugby and the responsibility that comes with visibility. By simply being himself in such a prominent role, he helps dismantle stereotypes and encourages others in the sport to do the same.