St.Helens R.F.C. would like to congratulate former Saints Women's player Tara Jones, who this week has received her award as a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to Rugby League.
St.Helens Women’s Heritage Number #1, Tara joined the Club for the inaugural Saints Women’s season in 2018, captaining the side during that first campaign.
Appearing 93 times for the Red V, ‘TJ’ won a Women’s Super League title, two League Leaders’ Shields, and four Challenge Cup trophies during her time at the Saints, and became the first woman to score a rugby league try at Wembley Stadium in 2023’s Challenge Cup Final.
An England international too, Jones earned 14 caps playing for her country, including at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, where she helped England reach the semi-final stage.
Alongside her regular working role and playing commitments, Tara has been a trailblazer, developing herself as a Rugby Football League Match Official. Following her retirement from playing in 2024, she became a full-time match official with the RFL.
On Saturday, 28th March 2026, Tara will make even more history by becoming the first woman to referee a men’s Betfred Super League match when she takes charge of Wigan Warriors taking on Huddersfield Giants.
Dave Hutchinson, General Manager at St.Helens R.F.C. spoke on behalf of the Club and said: “All of us at Saints would like to say a massive congratulations and well done to Tara. She has long been an inspirational figure in our sport and continues to do so now in a refereeing capacity.
“TJ is breaking down barriers and showing that there are avenues and opportunities for women across our sport, and we are incredibly proud to have been such a big part of her journey.”
Joint Head Coach of St.Helens Women, Craig Richards, added: “On behalf of all our Women’s team’s players and staff, we would like to offer a huge congratulations to Tara upon receiving her MBE, and wish her well for her first men’s Super League referee appointment this weekend.
“I have seen firsthand just how passionate and inspirational Tara has been and will continue to be for young girls in our sport, as a Saints and England player, and now as a match official.
“This week is an incredibly special one for TJ and her family, and we send her all our love and best wishes.”
ITV Granada Reports’ Mike Hall spent the day with Tara on Tuesday (24th March) and her family on her special day at Windsor Castle, as she received her MBE – click here.
*Photo credit – ITV News/Mike Hall – and SW Pix.
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