The England player turned World Cup referee

Tara Jones will referee the Women’s Rugby League World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and Samoa, four years after playing for England against New Zealand at the same stage. Her appointment marks another milestone in a career that has moved from the pitch to the highest levels of officiating.

Jones, 30, won 13 England caps and enjoyed major success with St Helens, including a Super League title and four Challenge Cups. She became the first woman to referee a men’s Super League match in March and was made an MBE for services to rugby league. At this World Cup, her first major international tournament, she has already officiated three matches.