World Rugby announces Hollie Davidson as match official for Springboks season opener against Italy in Pretoria

The 2025 rugby season is already shaping up to be a big one—with a familiar face returning to take center stage. Scottish referee Hollie Davidson is heading back to South Africa, where she’ll officiate the Springboks’ first Test match of the year against Italy in Pretoria on Saturday, July 5.

This isn’t her first historic outing. Last year, Davidson became the first woman to referee a Springbok Test, overseeing their match against Portugal in Bloemfontein.

Now, she’s back to break more ground as part of an impressive lineup of match officials for the July internationals.

World Rugby Confirms July Test Officials

World Rugby released the full list of referees for the upcoming mid-year international fixtures, including both the Springboks’ Incoming Series and the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions tour in Australia.

Joining Davidson on Springbok duty are Andrew Brace from Ireland, who will handle the second Italy Test on July 12 in Gqeberha, and Matthew Carley from England, who will take charge of South Africa’s clash with Georgia on July 19 in Nelspruit.

Familiar South African Faces Behind the Screens

South African referees will also be playing a crucial behind-the-scenes role this July.

Marius Jonker and Marius van der Westhuizen have both landed significant responsibilities as Television Match Officials (TMO) and Foul Play Review Officials (FPRO).

Jonker, in particular, will be kept busy—he’s been appointed FPRO for the second British & Irish Lions Test in Melbourne and will serve as TMO for the third Test in Sydney.

Before that, he’ll be on TMO duty for the Samoa vs Scotland game on July 18.

Morne Ferreira and Barrett-Theron Among the Global Appointments

Another South African official, Morne Ferreira, will take the whistle for the USA vs Spain clash in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 12.

He’s also been selected as an assistant referee for Namibia vs Italy on June 27 in Windhoek and again for USA vs England in Washington, DC, on July 19.

Aimee Barrett-Theron, one of South Africa’s most experienced female officials, will serve as assistant referee alongside Ferreira in Windhoek. Jonker will once again handle TMO duties for that Namibia-Italy showdown.

What’s Coming Next for International Rugby?

With top-tier Test matches and the iconic Lions tour on the calendar, July is going to be packed with high-stakes rugby action—and plenty of moments to remember for both players and match officials. For fans, it’s not just about who wins on the field, but also about witnessing the continued evolution of the game’s leadership—on and off the pitch.