St Helens rugby star Tara Jones has decided to retire from playing to pursue a full-time role as a match official with the Rugby Football League (RFL). The announcement marks a significant moment in Jones’ career, having made history in April as the first woman to referee a senior RFL men’s match.
Jones, who is known as St Helens Women’s leading appearance maker, officiated the Betfred League One fixture between Oldham and Cornwall at Boundary Park earlier this year. Additionally, she has served as a touch-judge in various Betfred Super League matches. Her decision to transition to a match official was shared with her fellow Saints team-mates before their Women’s Super League Grand Final defeat to York Valkyrie.
Phil Bentham, the head of match officials at the RFL, commended Jones for her remarkable season as a match official and acknowledged the significance of her retirement from playing for St Helens and the national team. He highlighted Jones’ groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first female official to referee men’s League One and serve as a touch judge in men’s Super League matches.
Stuart Barrow, the head coach of England Women’s team, praised Jones for her outstanding contributions both on and off the field. He recognised her as a key player during the Women’s Rugby League World Cup in 2022 and commended her dedication and commitment to excelling in her new role as a match official.
Jones’ appointment as the first woman to join the RFL’s full-time match officials squad since its establishment in 2006 signifies a significant step forward for diversity and inclusion in rugby league. Her decision to hang up her boots and focus on officiating marks an exciting new chapter in her career, one that is sure to inspire future generations of women in the sport.