Davidson first woman to take charge of European final

Hollie Davidson refereed Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh in December

Scotland's Hollie Davidson says becoming the first women to take charge of a European rugby showpiece is "unbelievable" after she was appointed referee for the Challenge Cup final between Bath and Lyon in Cardiff on 23 May.

Davidson has been part of on-pitch officiating teams in the past two Six Nations championships and the 2024 Rugby Championship.

She will also be the first Scot to referee an European final since Jim Fleming in 1998, which Bath won against Brive in Bordeaux.

"When I received the call last week, I actually couldn't believe it," Davidson told BBC Sport Scotland.

"I was extremely shocked but it's a huge moment in my career and a huge moment for the team around me helping me to achieve what I am so far.

"It's been a big year of growth and development. I've probably been put into games that have really tested me, that have really put me in some stressful situations, but I suppose that is where we test our mettle and see if we're up to standard.

"I've loved it. It's been very challenging but if I want to be one of the best in the world these are environments I need to go into and I need to test myself in, and hopefully that stands me in good stead for the final next week."

In July, Davidson will take charge of South Africa v Italy in Pretoria.