Scotland’s Hollie Davidson has been appointed to referee the final of Rugby World Cup 21 (played in 22). She becomes the second Scot to referee the showcase final (Jim Fleming did so in 1994) and will be assisted by Aimee Barrett-Theron from South Africa and Aurélie Groizeleau from France. Ben Whitehouse (Wales) will be the TMO.
In RWC21, Hollie has refereed the Italy v USA and Wales v New Zealand. She watched the England v SA game from close quarters as Assistant Referee. In the quarter finals, she was back on the whistle in the first quarter-final between France and Italy.
The Rugby World Cup 2021 final will be Davidson’s 26th test as a referee and will see her become the first female to referee Rugby World Cup finals in both sevens and 15s, a feat she will have achieved in the space of just 62 days. To complete the hat trick, she also refereed the final of the Commonwealth Games 7s in the summer.
World Rugby Referee Talent Development Manager Alhambra Nievas said, “The 18 match officials who have participated in Rugby World Cup 2021 have worked incredibly hard to ensure they have been at their best. They have done an outstanding job, delivering consistent performances each match day and I want to thank all of them for their hard work and dedication.
“For Hollie, 2022 has been a remarkable year, she has taken charge of some of the biggest competitions across sevens and 15s, including the women’s finals at the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens. She also created history when she was the first female appointed to referee a men’s Six Nations team with Italy’s 38-31 victory over Portugal. We would all like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Hollie as she prepares to take charge of this weekend’s Rugby World Cup 2021 final.”
In the bronze medal match, Canada play France, where Sara Cox will referee, assisted by Ireland’s Joy Neville and home town representative, Lauren Jenner. England’s Ian Tempest will be the TMO.
Our very best wishes to Hollie and her team, and all those officials involved through the tournament.
Rugby World Cup 21 Final match officials
New Zealand v England
Referee: Hollie Davidson (SRU)
ARs: Aimee Barrett-Theron (SA) & Aurélie Groizeleau (FFR)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (WRU)
Bronze match
Canada v France
Referee: Sara Cox (RFU)
ARs: Joy Neville (IRFU) & Lauren Jenner (NZRU)
TMO: Ian Tempest (RFU)
Previous women’s Rugby World Cup final referees:
1991 – Les Peard (Wales)
1994 – Jim Fleming (Scotland)
1998 – Ed Morrison (England)
2002 – Giulio De Santis (Italy)
2006 – Simon McDowell (Ireland)
2010 – Sarah Corrigan (Australia)
2014 – Amy Perrett (Australia)
2017 – Joy Neville (Ireland)
Aa a former referee myself, I have enjoyed the WWC more as the games gave all been well managed.
Hollie’s performances have been a Masterclass of refereeing style and consistancy.
Well done my fellow Scot.
Adam