No limits to how far pioneering ref Cox can climb

TRAILBLAZING referee Sara Cox climbs another step on the ladder to the top today when she becomes the first female to referee a match between Premiership sides.

Exeter-born Cox, 28, takes charge of Wasps v Northampton after working her way through the officiating ranks since quitting playing through injury 11 years ago.

Her journey has taken her through the National Leagues and since becoming the world’s first professional referee in March 2016, she has officiated at Championship matches, been involved in the Commonwealth Games and refereed at 7s and 15s World Cups.

The ultimate goal is to referee a men’s World Cup final and asked if she thought there were any limitations to her achieving that one day, Cox told The

Rugby Paper: “No, I don’t. Nobody’s ever stopped me and said you’ll never do this or that’s not possible.

“The RFU’s been very supportive of what I’ve been trying to achieve and while I don’t think any of us envisaged this when I passed my first refereeing course 11 years ago, I’ve had the support to keep progressing and there’s no reason for me to stop trying.

“Last year I had great opportunities and I’ve been ticking these things off as I go. I know that I need to be physically and mentally prepared for what’s coming my way and, although I don’t know what that is yet, I’ll put 100 per cent into it and ensure I’m ready.”

With five Exeter Chiefs players playing for England against South Africa yesterday, Cox added: “To see them named and for me doing what I’m doing this weekend is great for our city. I’m proud to come from Exeter and it brings me joy to see what we can do.”

Any Wasps or Saints players expecting Cox to be a soft touch should think again.

She promises to deal ruthlessly with back-chat, adding: “Game values are very, very important to us and if I’m not looking after that, I’m not doing my job. We must set the right example to those kids watching who are aspiring to be at the level we’re at.”