Tara Jones set to make Super League history

Tara Jones will make history this weekend by becoming the first woman to referee a men’s Betfred Super League game. 

Jones, who took charge of her first Championship match in March last year, will be in the middle for Wigan Warriors’ home clash with Huddersfield Giants on Saturday [March 28]. 

It will round off a busy week for the former Women’s Super League and England player who is also due to receive her MBE for services to rugby league on Tuesday. 

On hearing she’ll take charge of a top-flight clash, Jones, 29, revealed: “I was a bit shocked when I found out.  

“I was travelling on my way down to London to receive my MBE at Windsor Castle tomorrow so it’s a bit manic and I’m not in the office today. 

“[Match Officials General Manager] Andy Smith asked me to jump on a Teams call and all the match officials coaches were on it. 

“I actually thought I was in trouble. I wasn't quite sure what they all wanted! 

“But then they gave me the good news that they've appointed me to my first Super League game this weekend and I was just absolutely made up.  

“You never really know what to say in those kinds of situations. I thanked the coaches. I really appreciate their support and them believing in me as well. 

“And now I’m really looking forward to the weekend.” 

Jones, who hung up her boots at the end of 2024 to become the first woman in the RFL’s team of full-time match officials, continued: “I feel very proud after refereeing since the age of 12. 

“This has always been a lifelong ambition of mine to referee in Super League. 

“Making the decision to retire from playing just over a year ago was a really hard one and something I initially struggled to come to terms with. 

“But the past 12 months or so since being a full-time official has really cemented for me that I have done the right thing. 

“Making my Super League debut this weekend makes it all worth it – and the 12 year-old me would be very proud!”