Sara Cox MBE: Breaking Barriers and Blowing the Whistle
This week on Rugby Rodeo, Jess and Ellie are joined by one of the most respected officials in world rugby, Sara Cox MBE. From retiring as a young player to making history as the first female referee in Premiership Rugby, Sara’s journey is one of resilience, trailblazing and passion for the game. The trio chat through her early days finding her voice in a male-dominated field, the nerves and pride of that iconic Premiership debut, and the significance of reaching her 50th international Test. They also dive into the lighter side, the funniest moments, toughest calls, matchdays, and what fans don’t see behind the whistle. Sara opens up about being the first woman in many of her roles, collecting her MBE from Princess Anne, and what the next generation of referees can expect. It’s an inspiring, funny, and honest conversation with one of rugby’s true groundbreakers. Presented by Emirates.
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1:11:00
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1:11:00
Girls Holidays, Shushing Rivals & Toxic Traits
Ellie’s finally got her voice back (hallelujah 🙌) and both she and Jess are looking a little more bronzed, blissed-out, and maybe slightly too relaxed after their time in Dubai. From beach clubs and dune buggies to questionable tan lines and TikToks with a bored-looking Archie in the background — it’s fair to say the girls have had quite the two weeks off.
They’re chatting all things post-World Cup recovery, how easy (or not) it is to “switch off,” what it’s like returning to club life after lifting the biggest trophy in women’s rugby, and what their goals are for the season ahead.
PLUS — 2Truths and a Lie: Dubai Edition 🌴Who’s telling porkies? Who actually ate the weird chocolate? And who maybe got a bit too comfy at a beach club?
And of course… it wouldn’t be Rugby Rodeo without LISTENERS’ QUESTIONS.This week the Rodeo faithful ask:
How do you capitalise on the buzz of a Rugby World Cup win? 🏆
Ellie, what’s it like having your own Barbie doll?!
What’s your toxic trait?
Who would win in a fight? (We finally get an answer 👀)
Finally, we’ve got SHOUTOUTS GALORE to the Sarries girls lifting the Prem Cup, Ruislip Rubies’ Zoe scoring her first ever try, and Kamloops junior girls getting their first ever W! 💪
It’s laughter, honesty, sunshine and chaos — all wrapped up in that Rodeo energy you know and love.
So saddle up, press play, and as always… YEEEE-HAW! 🤠
This episode is brought to you by Emirates, the Official Partner of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Fly Better with Emirates ✈️
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51:20
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51:20
Reflecting on the Rugby World Cup
This week on Rugby Rodeo, Ellie and Jess are back for a special Listeners’ Questions episode — and we’re diving deep. From emotional highs and tough moments, to what life’s been like since lifting that World Cup trophy, we are baring all. 💬🏆
They chat about…
🌹 Taking a step back from social media during the tournament — and why.💔 The hardest physical and emotional moments of the campaign.💫 The comedown after the World Cup high — is it real?👧 What their younger selves would say if they could see them now.💭 Quiet, off-camera moments that hit hardest.🤝 The bond between teammates, best mates, and world champions.👧🏼 Inspiring the next generation — what it really means to them.
And of course, it wouldn’t be Rugby Rodeo without a bit of friendly debate as the girls crown their Emirates High Flyer of the Tournament — who soared highest on the biggest stage? 🛫
Plus, they answer YOUR questions about what’s next, how the game can keep growing, and how it feels to have captured the hearts of fans around the world. ❤️
This episode is brought to you by Emirates, the Official Partner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Emirates, an avid supporter of women’s rugby, is also a sponsor of the World Rugby Match Officials. Fly Better with Emirates.
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42:41
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42:41
World Cup Winning Cowboys are Back!! Ellie & Jess Ride Into Studio
The Rodeo studio is buzzing as World Cup winners Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach return fresh from Twickenham glory, still hoarse from the celebrations, and ready to spill all. Joined by Emma and Sarah, the team relive an unforgettable week: Canada’s ferocious start, Ellie’s game-changing try, and the pressure of 81,000 fans. The girls share what camp was like in the build-up, how they handled the weight of expectation, and the whirlwind celebrations that followed, from Battersea Power Station to tattoos for the coach. Plus, the panel pick their Emirates High Flyer of the Week, celebrate standout performances across the tournament, and reflect on how women’s rugby has changed forever after this record-breaking World Cup. Yeehaw!
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1:01:58
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1:01:58
The BIGGEST RWC Final in Women’s Rugby History
Ohhh my word… we’ve made it! After two SENSATIONAL semi-finals (and yes, Sara’s voice still hasn’t fully recovered 🙃), we’re here to preview the BIG one: the Rugby World Cup 2025 Final.
England. Canada. Two unbeaten sides. Two very different styles. One trophy on the line.
We’re breaking it all down – from Canada’s offloading, high-tempo chaos to the Roses’ set-piece dominance and Zoe Harrison’s metronome boot. Can anyone stop England’s rolling maul? Can Canada’s lightning ruck speed flip the script? And what about the nerves – Red Roses in their SEVENTH straight final vs Canada’s first since 2014. Pressure or freedom?
We’ll also chat individual match-winners (Ellie K, Sophie de Goede, Megan Jones, Julia Schell 👀), pick our Emirates High Flyer of the Week, catch up on the PWR Cup, and shout out the legends at every level of the game – from Rocky Clark and the Golden Girls cycling 750 miles for MND, to grassroots sides smashing their first ever wins.
So settle in, because next week we’ll know who are the new Queens of the rugby world. Will it be the Red Roses or the Maple Leafs? We can’t wait. YEEE-HAW 🤠🏉✨
Brought to you by Emirates – Official Partner of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025. Fly Better with Emirates.
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Hosted by Rugby World Cup Winning Red Roses Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach, the podcast will offer an intimate look into the world of professional women's rugby, behind-the-scenes stories, and inspiring interviews with fellow athletes and prominent figures in the sport. From navigating the professional sporting world to championing female voices, the duo will provide a unique and empowering perspective on their experiences.
UK