Pioneering ref Cox to retire from international rugby

The first female professional rugby union referee in the world will retire from international officiating.

Cox was appointed by the RFU as its central contract in 2016 and has officiated at the last five Women’s Rugby World Cups. She has also served as an assistant referee in 2014 and 2010 and has officiated at the last three.

The 51 international matches that the Exeter official has overseen are the most by a female official, the last of which was New Zealand’s World Cup quarter-final victory over South Africa at Sandy Park last year.

Cox, who has also officiated at the Commonwealth Games, Six Nations, and Women’s World Series V, said, “I feel very privileged to have officiated at the highest level of the global game for over a decade.

Cox is a frequent player in both the men’s and women’s prem and the Premiership Women’s Rugby.

In the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours Loss, she received an MBE for her contributions to rugby union.

Without the amazing team that surrounds me and a group of fantastic colleagues both in England and while traveling around the world, I wouldn’t be where I am today, she said.

“But most of all, I want to thank my friends and family, especially my mother, who has always been my biggest supporter.

Being able to referee a game at the World Cup in Exeter last summer was a real thrill and it was amazing to do it in front of people who have supported me throughout my career but haven’t always been able to travel to the remote locations where I’ve worked.

“I look forward to continuing to referee in our domestic leagues and hopefully inspiring other women to view match officiating as a responsibility for them.”

Cox, who officiated the rugby sevens at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games after five years of service in Rio de Janeiro’s first-ever Women’s Sevens competition, took charge of the final at the Covid-19 delayed games in Tokyo.

According to Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney, “Sara has been a true pioneer for match officials and an inspiration to so many.”

Her skill, perseverance, and passion for the game have helped her break barriers and pave the way for female officiants from other countries.