Sara Cox becomes first female rugby referee to join RFU match official team
An injury caused the 25-year-old to cut short her playing career and take up officiating
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Who would want to be a referee at 25?
In her youth, Sara Cox played rugby alongside her male peers for Cullompton in Devon before finding a girls’ side and winning county and regional honours. She even had a couple of trials to play for England. Now, at just 25, she has made history by becoming the first woman to join the RFU’s match officials team.
How did she come to be a referee?
Unfortunately, an injury caused her to cut short her playing career and take up officiating. She has since risen up the ranks. For the last few years, as well as her job at a waste management company in Exeter, she has taken charge of matches in world rugby’s Women’s Sevens Series.
What about the pressure?
“There is a lot of respect for match officials in rugby,” she said. “You are there to guarantee a game and the players appreciate that but, to be offered a contact to train with the elite male referees, being put through my paces, is an amazing opportunity.”
So what does she want to achieve next?
Sara hopes her contract with the RFU will allow her to achieve her goal of refereeing at the highest level: next year’s Olympics.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments