England vs Canada: Who Is Women’s World Cup Final Referee Hollie Davidson?

The Women’s Rugby World Cup final between England and Canada at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham will be officiated by Hollie Davidson, one of the most respected referees in world rugby.

The 33-year-old Scottish referee is making history by taking charge of her second consecutive World Cup final. A sell-out crowd of nearly 82,000 fans is expected, the largest ever for a women’s rugby match.

Hollie Davidson’s Historic Role

Davidson refereed the 2021 Women’s World Cup final in Auckland, where England lost to New Zealand. That game was remembered for her decision to send off England wing Lydia Thompson in the first half for a high tackle.

By leading the 2025 final, she joins Andre Watson, the only other referee to officiate back-to-back Rugby World Cup finals. Watson refereed the men’s finals in 1999 and 2003.

Rise of a World-Class Referee

Hollie Davidson began refereeing in 2015 after her own playing career was cut short by a dislocated shoulder. She quickly rose through the ranks.

• Assistant referee at the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup

• First Test match as referee in 2018

• Became the first female referee in a men’s professional match in 2021

• Led the first all-female officiating team in a men’s Test between Portugal and Italy in 2022

• Refereed the 2023 Challenge Cup final where Bath defeated Lyon

Her career shows her ability to work across both men’s and women’s rugby at the highest level.

Match Officials Supporting Davidson

For the final, Davidson will be supported by:

• Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa) – Assistant Referee

• Clara Munarini (Italy) – Assistant Referee

• Leo Colgan (Ireland) – Television Match Official (TMO)

• Matteo Liperini (Italy) – Foul Play Review Officer (FPRO)

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)

• 2021 – Hollie Davidson (Scotland)