Rugby League News: Tara Jones to Make History as First Woman to Referee Senior Professional Match in Northern Hemisphere
Tara Jones, the 27-year-old St Helens and England rugby league international, is set to make history this weekend as she becomes the first woman to referee a senior professional rugby league fixture in the Northern Hemisphere.
Jones, who has already etched her name in rugby league history by scoring the first try in a Women’s Challenge Cup Final at Wembley last August, will officiate the League 1 match between Oldham and Cornwall on Sunday.
“Tara has earned this opportunity after years of steady development as a match official through the community game and as a regular touch judge and in-goal judge for professional matches,” said Phil Bentham, the RFL’s head of match officials.
Bentham praised Jones’ performance and the respect she has earned from players, coaches, and fellow match officials, stating that she has received high-profile appointments in various competitions, including this season’s Betfred Challenge Cup.
In addition to Jones’ historic appointment, Bentham also confirmed a number of other changes within the Match Officials Department. Experienced touch judge Andy Smith has been appointed as a new full-time coach, while former officials James Child, Ian Smith, and Matt Thomason have returned to the sport as Match Officials reviewers.
Bentham expressed his delight at the new additions, saying they bring a wealth of experience and will provide invaluable feedback and coaching to the match officials.
The rugby league community eagerly awaits Tara Jones’ groundbreaking performance as she takes the field this weekend, further cementing her place in the sport’s history.
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