Referee Sara Cox: 'Hopefully my 50th will turn into 100 and beyond'

Sara Cox will become the first female to referee 50 test matches when she takes charge of Japan v Spain in York on Sunday.

Sara Cox

On reaching 50 international matches as a referee:
"When I first started, you got one, maybe two games every year, if you were really lucky, but it wasn't the norm to be appointed. To see that change and actually start to see the norm of people picking up three, four, five games a year, I think is testament to where the game is going.

"So, hopefully my 50th will be surpassed very quickly and it will go on to actually turn into 100 and beyond. I think that's where the game is moving at the moment." 

On how things have changed since Cox officiated at her first Women's Rugby World Cup 15 years ago:
"In 2010, it was two fields in Surrey Sports Park with temporary stands in the middle of it and not a lot of people around. I don't even think it's comparable any more. It's so far gone from what it was (in 2010), even from the last World Cup, it's night and day.

"They're the perfect stadiums (at RWC 2025). They're well chosen. They've got the perfect amount of people in. There's a good engagement and there's a lovely buzz around everything." 

On how she will feel when she runs out for her 50^th match, Japan v Spain on Sunday in York:
"It feels pretty good to hit this milestone. I didn't expect it to come when it has, so for it to happen in the World Cup is great."