TWO female trailblazers in rugby league have been recognised in the New Year Honours List.

Julia Lee, the first woman to referee men’s matches in the sport, and Tara Jones, the first female full-time official, have been awarded the MBE for services to rugby league.

Both have made impacts beyond the whistle too, with Lee serving as director of community projects and events for the RFL and founding the Women in Rugby League heritage project which documents that area of the game.

Jones, meanwhile, was a leading player for St Helens and England, winning four major trophies and becoming the first female try-scorer at Wembley.

Lee, who refereed from the late 1980s until 2000, said: “Rugby 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.

“I 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.

“I 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’s history.”

Jones, who retired from playing a year ago to take up full-time officiating, 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.

“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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, former Welsh dual-code international Jonathan Davies has been made a CBE for services to broadcasting and to people with cancer.

Davies, who earned 22 caps for Wales and Great Britain in rugby league, has been a BBC commentary stalwart in both codes for almost 30 years.

He has also been president of Cardiff-based Velindre Cancer Centre since 2009, after losing both his father and first wife to cancer, and has helped raise more than £50 million.

“It means a lot and I am very privileged and honoured to accept it,” Davies said of the honour.