Tara Jones Set to Make History by Refereeing Men’s Super League Match
Tara Jones, born in 1996, will become the first woman to referee a men’s Super League match. The appointment comes ahead of Wigan Warriors hosting Huddersfield Giants on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
Early years and playing background
Jones began playing in a boys’ team in Warrington. She stopped playing there at age 12 and moved into officiating.
She later played for England and St Helens. Jones retired as a player just last year to focus on refereeing.
Path into refereeing and career choices
Jones started officiating after being told she could not be involved in the sport she loved. The move began as a determined choice by a young girl.
She has now established refereeing as her full-time profession. Jones says the decision to switch to officiating brought no regrets.
Honours and the moment of selection
Jones was named in the New Year’s Honours list and awarded an MBE for services to rugby league. She learned of her Super League appointment while travelling to Windsor for the investiture.
Her refereeing career spans roughly 18 years since she first took up the whistle. Making it to the top level has been a long-term ambition.
Historic appointment in context
Filmogaz.com reports Tara Jones could make history by refereeing a men’s Super League match. The selection breaks new ground for women in the sport.
Her debut in a men’s Super League fixture marks a personal milestone. It also represents wider progress in rugby league officiating.
2026 Super League — key dates and broadcasts
- Super League 30th birthday: Thu Mar 26 — Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls, 8pm (Sky Sports).
- Rivals Round: April 3–5.
- Super League in Paris: Sat Jun 6 — Catalans Dragons v Wigan Warriors, 6:30pm UK (Sky Sports).
- Magic Weekend: July 4–5.
- Rivals Round reversed: July 23–26.
- Elimination play-offs: Sep 19–20.
- Play-off semi-finals: Sep 26–27.
- Grand Final: Oct 3 at Old Trafford.
Sky Sports will broadcast every Super League match live this season. Two fixtures each round will be shown exclusively live. The remaining five matches will be available on Sky Sports+.
The debut will be watched closely by fans and officials. It could open doors for more female referees at the sport’s highest level.
