Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants: Tara Jones to make Super League history this weekend
Tara Jones will make history this weekend by becoming the first woman to referee a men’s Super League game.
Jones, who took charge of her first Championship game in March last year, will be in the middle for Wigan Warriors’ clash with Huddersfield Giants at the Brick Community Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The former England and St Helens hooker is in for a busy but welcome week, with Jones receiving her MBE for services to rugby league on Tuesday.
Jones, who hails from Warrington, says she is ‘absolutely made up’ at being appointed to referee her first men’s Super League fixture.
"I was a bit shocked when I found out,” said Jones.
“I was travelling on my way down to London to receive my MBE at Windsor Castle tomorrow (Tuesday), so it’s a bit manic, and I’m not in the office today (Monday).
“Andy Smith (match officials general manager) 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 hung up her boots at the end of the 2024 campaign to become the first woman in the Rugby Football League’s team of full-time match officials.
"I feel very proud after refereeing since the age of 12,” she added. “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.”