HOLO
Presenting...
Sara Cox
Trailblazing International Rugby Referee
Profile
Sara Cox MBE has spent her career breaking new ground in rugby.
From becoming the first woman to referee a men’s Premiership match, to being the first female referee in history to reach 50 international tests, she has consistently set new standards of excellence and resilience in one of the toughest roles in sport.
Now in her tenth year as a professional referee, Sara brings a wealth of insight on pressure, performance, decision-making, and resilience in male-dominated environments. Known for her integrity, composure, and sharp leadership on the world stage, she speaks with candour and clarity about what it takes to lead under scrutiny, hold ground in the face of criticism, and thrive when all eyes are on you.
Alongside her refereeing career, Sara co-hosts the rugby podcast Two Locks & A Cox with Holo’s Chris Bentley, adding a fresh, behind-the-scenes voice to the game she loves.
Highlights
First woman to referee 50 international tests (Japan vs Spain, Rugby World Cup 2025).
First female referee in the English Premiership (Harlequins vs Worcester, 2021).
Awarded MBE for services to rugby.
Most-capped female referee in history (surpassing Clare Daniels, 2023).
Refereed across five Rugby World Cups, including in her home city of Exeter.
Key Themes
High-Performance Leadership: What elite leadership looks like under pressure, and how to build a culture that doesn’t fade when the stakes rise.
Sustained Excellence: The mindset, discipline, and structure required to reach, and stay at, the top.
Trust, Culture, and Accountability: How to create environments where high standards are lived consistently.
Sport-to-Business Translation: Real lessons from elite rugby, applied directly to executive teams and global organisations.
Sara Cox
Quick Look
Located: Devon, UK
Who: Sara Cox MBE is a world-leading rugby referee and trailblazer, the first woman to referee 50 international tests and a familiar face on the global stage. She speaks with authority and humility on resilience, leadership, and thriving in high-pressure environments.
Available For: Keynotes. Panels. Fireside conversations. Leadership workshops.
Popular With: Corporates. Professional services. Universities. Sports organisations.
