Former England player becomes World Cup referee

Jones, officiating her first major international tournament, has overseen three matches at the Women's World Cup, including England's 70‑6 victory over Wales on 17 October. She also refereed two France games, against New Zealand and Fiji, according to the report.

Born in Germany while her father served in the army and raised in Warrington, Jones said her sporting journey started when her dad took her to rugby training as a child, despite her mother's wish for her to pursue dance. She recalled to BBC Radio Merseyside in March, "My brother played and my dad took him training - he was the team manager. I was probably that annoying little kid who was trying to join in but getting in the way a little bit," and added, "My mum wouldn't let me play because I was her little girl, and I think she wanted me to be a dancer.

I was never going to be a dancer... or ballet, or gymnastics, or something like that. My dad secretly took my across to my own age group and let me play." She explained that after reaching the end of the Under‑11s she was told she could not continue because opportunities for girls were scarce, noting that "Unfortunately, when I got to the end of Under-11s, I was then told I couldn't carry on.

Back then, the opportunities for girls to play rugby were few and far between." Describing her decision to move into officiating, she said, "It's much better now. But that's why I went into officiating. I was a bit stubborn, and I was told that I couldn't do something within the sport that I loved.

I was like: Well, I will find a different avenue, and no-one's going to tell me I can't be involved in this sport at the top level and within the boys' side of it."

Jones has posted details of the preparation and effort she has invested behind the scenes at the tournament on her Instagram account, the report noted. The posts illustrate the time and work she has put into the event.