Tara Jones appointed World Cup semi-final referee four years after playing for England

Tara Jones has been appointed to referee the Women's Rugby League World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and Samoa, four years after representing England at the same stage. Total Rugby League reported that she will take charge at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle, New South Wales, on Saturday, adding an international knockout assignment to her domestic officiating achievements.

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The appointment follows three group-stage matches for Jones at this tournament: England against Wales, New Zealand against France and Fiji against France. RFL match officials department general manager Andy Smith said her selection reflected the quality of her performances against competition from leading referees worldwide, according to Total Rugby League. He also described her rapid transition from World Cup player to semi-final official as a significant achievement.

Jones's connection with this fixture extends beyond her work with the whistle. As an England hooker, she faced New Zealand in the 2022 semi-final in York. The RFL's official profile records 14 international appearances and identifies her as the first woman appointed to its full-time match officials squad, effective from the 2025 season, following a playing career with St Helens and England.

Her domestic refereeing milestones include a men's League One match between Oldham and Cornwall in 2024. Total Rugby League reported that she subsequently became the first woman to referee a men's Super League match, taking charge of Wigan Warriors against Huddersfield Giants. She also officiated the Challenge Cup meeting between Wakefield Trinity and Swinton Lions, another step in her progression through senior appointments.

BBC Sport's Thursday report detailed the playing career that preceded that move. Jones won a Women's Super League title, two League Leaders' Shields and four Challenge Cups with St Helens. In 2023, she became the first woman to score a try in a Challenge Cup final at Wembley, before retiring as a player the following year.

Officiating also forms part of Jones's work to widen participation. The RFL says her role includes serving as an ambassador for female officials and helping recruit and develop more women in refereeing. Jones told BBC Radio Merseyside that she hoped her achievements would encourage young girls and prospective match officials to see opportunities for themselves in rugby league.