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When Sara Cox became a rugby trailblazer on Saturday by taking charge of Harlequins versus Worcester, she had to reassure the players that calling her ‘Sir’ would not cause offence.
As the first female referee to oversee a men’s Premiership match, Cox didn’t want any concern about suitable titles to act as a barrier to open dialogue.
‘For me, “Sir” is not about gender. It’s about opening a line of communication that’s respectful,’ said the 31-year-old. ‘The players decided they were going to call me “Ref”, then one of them said “Sir” and he corrected himself. I said, “Look, I’m really not precious, you’re more than welcome to call me Sir, it’s no problem at all”.
Sara Cox became a rugby trailblazer by taking charge of Harlequins versus Worcester
‘As long as it’s respectful, let’s get their point across so we can answer it.’
Cox was authoritative and assured at the Stoop, rising to the landmark occasion in fine style. Both clubs gave her signed shirts to commemorate a
