Tara Jones to become first female referee to officiate men's Super League game
She'll take charge for Huddersfield Giants trip to Wigan this weekend
Tara Jones is set to make history this weekend as the first woman to referee a men’s Super League game.
Jones, who officiated her first Championship match in March last year, will oversee the Wigan Warriors' home game against Huddersfield Giants on Saturday.
The week is particularly eventful for Jones, as she will also receive her MBE for services to rugby league on Tuesday at Windsor Castle.
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 retired from playing at the end of 2024 to become the first woman among the Rugby Football League’s full-time match officials.