VIDEO: Stick hails Davidson as history beckons

VIDEO: Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick added his voice to that of the most decorated referee in the world, Wayne Barnes on the appointment of Hollie Davidson as the Test referee in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Davidson is on the verge of history by becoming the first woman to officiate a Springbok match.

But Barnes said this appointment should not draw so much attention.

“Hollie is an extremely talented, impressive match official,” he said.

“Nothing to do with whether she’s male or female. She’s a peer and she’s admired by everyone within the group.

“Any suggestion you’re promoted just because of your sex is a fallacy.

“Talk to anyone across the game, talk to the coaches in the United Rugby Championship, they all rate Hollie as one of the best. She is really respected.”

Davidson needs no introduction to high-level rugby. She’s basically been there and done that.

There is no denying that she has been the trailblazer for women who want to officiate.

She was the first female to referee a Six Nations team when Italy played Portugal in 2022, and the first to be involved in a Six Nations match, running the line in England’s home clash with Wales earlier this year.

Stick made special mention of how respected Davidson is in the Springbok camp, and also thanked World Rugby for what they are doing for women officials.

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“We’ve done our research and we know that Hollie is a respected match official, URC and up,” Stick told media during the captain’s press conference on Friday.

“I like her confidence and how she communicates with the players.

“I want to congratulate her, first time refereeing the Springboks and a well-deserved appointment.

“And Salmaan is probably one of the best guys to work with her. The other players won’t say much to the ref,” he commented while gesturing to the captain sitting next to him.

“That’s not how we operate. The captain will work with the refs.

“And well done to World Rugby for empowering women.

“Well done for bringing the change.

“That is what we talk about when we talk about transformation.

“People always think transformation is black and white. For World Rugby to make a decision to give women to referee Tier One nations, that is exactly what we need in our game.

“One thing I know, is we are going to have more female referees, especially after this Test match. I know there will be ladies in South Africa who would want to become officials.

“We know Aimee [Barrett-Theron] has been doing the job, but we need more of them to be involved in our game.”