Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Hollie Davidson to Become First Woman to Referee a Men’s Six Nations Match

World Rugby paired the 2026 appointments with guidance on stricter bunker reviews to improve red-card consistency.

Overview

  • Davidson has been assigned Ireland vs Italy at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on February 14, 2026, following her 2025 World Rugby Referee of the Year award.
  • A panel of 14 referees from eight nations will handle the 15 men’s Tests scheduled for February and March 2026.
  • Karl Dickson is the only referee appointed to two matches and will oversee the tournament opener, France vs Ireland at the Stade de France.
  • Matthew Carley will reach his 50th Test when he referees Wales vs Scotland in Cardiff on February 21.
  • World Rugby also confirmed U20 Six Nations appointments, naming 11 referees on its Talent ID pathway, with nine set for middle‑of‑competition debuts.