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Two rugby league refereeing pioneers have been recognised in the King\u2019s New Year Honours list.<\/p>\n
Julie Lee \u2013 who was the first woman in the UK to referee men\u2019s matches \u2013 and current full-time match official Tara Jones \u2013 have both been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE).<\/p>\n
Hull-born Lee said: \u201cRugby league has always played an important role in my life, from my early days on the terraces at Craven Park watching Hull Kingston Rovers where I found my tribe.<\/p>\n
\u201cI feel incredibly fortunate that, for the majority of my career, I have been able to volunteer and work within rugby league and play a part in making a difference for so many people. I realised early on that sport, particularly rugby league, has the power to reach communities that are often neglected or disenfranchised.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have had the privilege of leading and contributing to many projects that have created real and lasting impact. I am especially proud of the Women in Rugby League projects, which have finally brought recognition to women who were hidden in the sport\u2019s history.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jones starred in Women\u2019s Super League for St Helens, but retired as a player to focus on her refereeing career. She said: \u201cReceiving an MBE is an absolute honour and a status I never imagined holding.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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\u2019s and girls\u2019 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\u2019s sport.<\/p>\n
She added: \u201cAs a former international and Women\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn 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\u2019s and women\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rugby Football League chief pays tribute<\/p>\n
Paying tribute to the pair, RFL senior executive director, Nigel Wood,\u202fsaid: \u201cOn behalf of the everyone in the rugby league family, I wish to extend my congratulations to Julia and Tara for these thoroughly deserved awards. Julia Lee is a pioneer, having become the first woman in the UK to referee male players at open age level.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy her retirement, she had officiated 500 games. To date no woman in the UK has surpassed this achievement. Julia\u2019s presence as a female referee was an unusual sight in rugby league when she started in the late-1980s, but the pathway is now well-trodden and that is due to her dedication and service. She has continued her efforts away from the field by shining a light on the history of Women in Rugby League, most recently through the \u2018Life with the Lionesses\u2019 project.<\/p>\n
\u201cTara Jones had a distinguished playing career where she became the first women\u2019s rugby league player to score a try at Wembley Stadium in the 2023 Challenge Cup final and has continued her trailblazing efforts as a full-time member of the match officials department.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe made history by refereeing her first Betfred League One match in 2024 and serving as a touch judge in several Betfred Super League fixtures.\u202f In her new role, Tara also serves as an ambassador for female officials, focusing on recruiting and developing a new cohort of women in officiating.\u201d<\/p>\n
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