Jones, who is officiating in her first major international tournament, has taken charge of three games at the Women’s World Cup so far – including one involving some of her former international team-mates.

She was in the was in the middle for England’s 70-6 victory over Wales on 17 October, before refereeing two France matches, against New Zealand and Fiji.

And she has documented all the time and work she has put in behind the scenes at the World Cup on her Instagram account.

Born in Germany – where her father was serving in the Army at the time – and raised in Warrington, Jones has been on quite the sporting journey.

It began as a young girl being taken to rugby training by her dad – ignoring her mother’s desire for her to take up dance.

“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,” she told BBC Radio Merseyside in March.

“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.

“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.

“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.”



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