Jones, who was the first woman to score a try in a senior fixture at Wembley, won every domestic honour in the game with St Helens before hanging up her playing boots after the 2024 Super League Grand Final.
A trailblazer for women referees, the 29-year-old joined the Rugby Football League’s full time match officials panel ahead of the 2025 season.
Expressing her delight at receiving the award, Jones said: “Receiving an MBE is an absolute honour and a status I never imagined holding.
“I am truly humbled and accept it with immense pride, but this is not just for me personally.
“It represents the wider game gaining further recognition—particularly the growth and development of women’s and girls’ Rugby League over the years.
“That progress reflects the collective efforts of everyone involved, including all at the RFL, players, coaches, match officials, staff, and all advocates of women’s sport.”
Tara Jones and Luci McColm of St Helens celebrate after the win at Wembley (Image: Ed Sykes/SWpix.com)
Although born in Germany, where her dad was stationed with the army, Jones spent much of her formative years in Warrington where she played the rugby league in boys’ teams for as long as she was allowed until she reached the age of 12.
At that point Jones undertook her first refereeing course before returning to playing, eventually joining Thatto Heath, where she started a run of Challenge Cup Final wins.
She joined Saints in 2018 – skippering the side during that first season – and as such has Saints Women’s Heritage Number 1.
In her time at Saints, Jones won a Women’s Super League title, two League Leaders’ Shields and four more Challenge Cups.
She was the first woman to score a try at Wembley in a senior fixture when Saints beat Leeds Rhinos in the Women’s Challenge Cup Final in 2023.
At international level, Jones played in the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 – one of 14 England caps.
The 2024 Betfred Women’s Super League Grand Final defeat marked Jones’ 93rd and final appearance in the red vee – and had already decided that her focus was now on officiating.
Tara Jones referees at Oldham. (Image: Matthew Merrick/SWpix.com)
Earlier that year Jones became the first woman to referee a senior RFL men’s fixture in April when she took charge of the Betfred League One fixture between Oldham and Cornwall at Boundary Park.
Jones added: “As a former international and Women’s Super League player, current coach and now full-time match official I hope to continue paving the way in Rugby League by showing that you can pursue your aspirations and that opportunities exist for everyone, regardless of role or background.
St Helens’ Tara Jones (Image: John Clifton/SWpix.com)
“In particular, I hope this encourages females to not only take up officiating but to do so with belief that it is possible to officiate at the highest level in both the men’s and women’s game.
“I would like to thank all my family, friends, both current and past coaches, teammates, colleagues and all those who have supported me over the years.
“I am deeply grateful for this honour, which inspires me to continue striving for progress within the sport.”