Sara Cox: Pioneering female rugby union referee to retire from internationals

Cox is also a regular official in Premiership Women’s Rugby as well as the men’s Prem.

She was awarded an MBE for services to rugby union in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours lost.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has supported my career, I wouldn’t be where I am without the amazing team around me and a group of fantastic colleagues both in England and when travelling around the world,” she added.

“But most of all I’d like to thank my friends and family – particularly my mum who has always been my biggest supporter.

“Being able to referee a game in Exeter, my hometown, during last summer’s World Cup was a moment of real pride and amazing to do so in front of people who’ve championed me in my career but not always been able to travel to the far-flung places I’ve worked.

“I look forward to continuing to referee in our domestic leagues and hopefully continuing to encourage other women to see match officiating as a role for them.”

Cox refereed the rugby sevens at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games – taking charge of the final at the Covid-19 delayed games in Tokyo after officiating in the first-ever Women’s Sevens tournament in Rio de Janeiro five years earlier.

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

“Her professionalism, resilience and passion for the game have broken barriers and demonstrated the path to top level match officiating for women across the world.

“She deserves huge plaudits for everything she’s achieved in her international career, and we are delighted that she will be continuing to contribute to the English game.”