Sarah Cox: Pioneering rugby union referee retires from international football

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

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

She added: “I would like to thank everyone who supported my career. I would not have gotten to where I am now without the amazing team around me and a group of wonderful colleagues in England and while traveling around the world.”

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

“Being able to officiate a match in Exeter, my hometown, during the World Cup last summer was a really proud and amazing moment to do so in front of people who have championed me in my career but have not always been able to travel to the remote places I have worked.

She added: “I look forward to continuing to officiate in our local tournaments, and I hope I can continue to encourage other women to consider match refereeing as their role.”

Cox officiated the rugby sevens at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics, taking charge of the final at the COVID-postponed Games in Tokyo after officiating the first-ever women’s sevens tournament in Rio de Janeiro five years ago.

Bill Sweeney, chief executive of the Rugby Football Union, said: “Sarah was a true pioneer for match officials and an inspiration to so many.”

“Her professionalism, resilience and passion for the game has broken down barriers and shown the way to the highest level of match officiating for women all over the world.

He added: “She deserves huge praise for everything she has achieved in her international career, and we are delighted that she will continue to contribute to English football.”