Can Maggie Cogger‑Orr Pave the Way for Future Female Referees?
Rugby has been making visible progress in inclusivity, not only through the growth of the women’s game but also in the ranks of its officials. At the forefront of this change is New Zealand’s Maggie Cogger‑Orr, a respected international referee and development leader. The question many ask is whether she can pave the way for future female referees. With her visibility, institutional role, and the momentum behind women’s rugby, the answer looks promising.
Maggie Cogger‑Orr’s Impact
Maggie Cogger‑Orr has already officiated at top international tournaments such as the Women’s Six Nations, Super Rugby Aupiki, and the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Her selection for major matches, including World Cup semi‑finals, underscores her credibility and signals trust from the game’s governing bodies.
But perhaps even more significant is her leadership off the field. In 2023 she was appointed Women’s Referee Development Manager for New Zealand Rugby, a role dedicated to building pathways and opportunities for female referees. She has since overseen scholarships, training programs, and partnerships with schools and referee associations, creating real entry points for women into officiating.
The Power of Visibility and Role Models
Visibility matters. For many aspiring referees, seeing someone like them on the biggest stage makes the path tangible. Cogger‑Orr’s presence at elite events provides exactly that inspiration. In a sport where refereeing has long been male‑dominated, her profile demonstrates the top of the profession is reachable.
This role model effect is amplified when coupled with the commercial ecosystem of modern rugby. With sponsorship from industries as wide‑ranging as apparel, technology, and even online casinos or sports betting platforms, rugby now has multiple avenues to elevate and celebrate its referees. Just as sponsorship deals have helped raise the profile of players, they can also help amplify stories like Cogger‑Orr’s and fund the grassroots development programs she champions.
Opportunities and Momentum
Cogger‑Orr’s work aligns perfectly with the broader rise of women’s rugby. Increased participation, international tournaments, and greater media attention create fertile ground for change. Her programs address barriers such as lack of awareness, financial support, or mentoring by providing scholarships, structured training, and clear progression pathways.
The inclusion of diverse commercial partners, including non‑traditional sponsors like an NZ online casino, reflects the evolving financial landscape of rugby. When such sponsorships are channeled into grassroots development or referee education, they can provide the resources needed to sustain growth, travel, training, and mentoring networks.
Remaining Challenges
Of course, progress does not come without hurdles. Cultural resistance still exists in some corners of the sport, where refereeing is seen as a male preserve. Ensuring women referees are not perceived as symbolic or token is another challenge; the aim must be normalisation, not exception.
Sustained resources are also vital. Without long‑term funding and commitment, early momentum can stall. Here, sponsorships and partnerships can play a practical role, providing the financial backbone for long‑term change.
Retention and progression are equally critical. Recruiting more women is only the start; keeping them engaged, supported, and moving into higher‑level appointments requires ongoing investment. Initiatives that link referees with mentors like Cogger‑Orr are crucial in making the journey sustainable.
Evidence of Change
There are already signs her work is paying off. In Auckland, for instance, the number of registered women referees grew from just three in 2022 to ten in 2024. National referee courses and scholarship recipients are progressing into international competitions. These tangible outcomes suggest that the pipeline Cogger‑Orr is building is beginning to deliver.
Commercial backing, too, is showing its potential. As rugby embraces diverse sponsors — including online betting companies who often support global tournaments — funding streams are widening. If directed thoughtfully, this influx can be harnessed to strengthen referee development programs, making it more feasible for women to balance costs and commitments associated with officiating.
The Road Ahead
For Cogger‑Orr’s impact to be lasting, several things must continue:
- Institutional commitment: Ensuring referee development for women is embedded in long‑term strategy, not treated as a temporary project.
- Mentorship networks: Linking experienced referees with newcomers to create a cycle of learning and support.
- Visibility across contexts: Expanding opportunities for women to officiate in both women’s and men’s competitions, at all levels.
- Sustainable funding: Leveraging sponsorships from traditional and non‑traditional sectors, including online casinos, to underpin travel, training, and scholarships.
- Cultural change: Continuing education to challenge outdated stereotypes and normalise women refereeing at every level of the game.
Conclusion
Maggie Cogger‑Orr is more than a trailblazer; she is actively shaping the structures that will define refereeing for the next generation. With her visibility, leadership, and the rising tide of women’s rugby, she is laying a solid foundation. Combined with the financial power of sponsorships, the resources exist to make this change enduring.
If rugby embraces this opportunity fully, the future could see female referees become as commonplace and respected as their male counterparts. And when that day comes, Maggie Cogger‑Orr will be recognised as one of the key figures who turned the possibility into reality.
