Tara Jones handed Rugby League World Cup semi-final four years after playing in England’s last-four defeat

Tara Jones will referee the Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and Samoa on Saturday, four years after facing the Kiwi Ferns at the same stage as an England player.

The former St Helens hooker has been appointed to the match at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle after officiating three group games at this year’s tournament.

Jones played in England’s 2022 semi-final defeat by New Zealand in York. She retired from playing in 2024 to join the Rugby Football League’s full-time match officials department.

Tara Jones earns World Cup semi-final appointment

Jones has already refereed England against Wales, New Zealand against France and Fiji against France during the competition.

Announcing her appointment, the RFL praised her performances throughout the tournament.

Andy Smith, the governing body’s match officials general manager, said her selection reflected the standard of her work against international competition.

“She has gone up against the very best referees in the world in this tournament,” he said.

Smith also highlighted how quickly Jones had progressed from playing in a World Cup semi-final to being trusted to officiate one.

From St Helens hooker to Super League referee

The appointment continues a succession of milestones for Jones.

In 2024, she became the first woman to referee a senior men’s rugby league match in the northern hemisphere when she took charge of Oldham against Cornwall in League One.

She subsequently received an MBE for services to the sport and has broken further ground this year.

Her appointment to Wakefield Trinity’s Challenge Cup tie against Swinton Lions made her the first woman to referee a match involving a Super League club. She then became the first woman to referee a Super League fixture, taking charge of Wigan Warriors against Huddersfield Giants in March.

New Zealand and Samoa meet for a place in the final

Saturday’s assignment puts Jones in charge of Samoa’s attempt to reach the final against the side that ended her own World Cup campaign four years ago.

Samoa reached the knockout stage after beating England 24–6 in their final group match, eliminating the side Jones previously represented.

England’s players will be absent from the last four, but Jones will have a central role as New Zealand and Samoa contest a place in the final on Saturday 7 November.