Hollie Davidson, a Scottish referee, will be the first woman to officiate a Test that involves a men’s Six Nations team in Portugal on 25 June.
Davidson was appointed to the men’s Rugby Europe Conference 1 South Test, in which Malta beat Cyprus.
She was also named last week as an official for 2021 Rugby World Cup.
Davidson claimed that it was a “tremendous honor and an accomplishment” to be able to lead the Italy game.
She stated that she was happy with her progress over the past couple of years, and that working as a professional referee for Scottish Rugby has helped.
“I was stunned when I heard the news. It’s something I had never expected to happen in my career. However, I’m proud and looking forward for the summer.”
Davidson will be leading an all-female team for Portugal v Italy. Aurelie Groizeleau and Sara Cox (England), her assistant referees. Claire Hodnett (England), will serve as Television Match Official (TMO).
Additionally, the Scot will be taking charge of Canada against Belgium on 2 juillet, another men’s Test.
She refereed three matches this season in the United Rugby Championship – Glasgow Warriors v Edinburgh; Ulster v Cardiff Blues; Ospreys v Munster – in addition to France v England for the 2022 Women’s Six Nations.