The future of African Rugby League referees is not just promising—it’s downright electrifying. And here’s the part most people miss: the continent is on the brink of a refereeing revolution, with talent emerging faster than ever before. International Rugby League’s lead match official educator, James Jones, recently shared his unwavering confidence in Africa’s officiating potential during an interview at the 2025 Rugby League Tri-Nation Festival. But it’s not just about optimism—it’s about tangible progress.
Jones highlighted the remarkable strides made by African referees, particularly in West Africa, where the standards of match officiating are soaring. “Working with Ghanaian officials has been incredibly rewarding,” he noted. “Behind the scenes, Ghana is quietly becoming a hub for rugby league development, thanks to the International Rugby League Federation’s investment in education and training.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: while the focus is often on players, Jones argues that match officials are the unsung heroes of the sport. “Without referees, there is no game,” he emphasized. “That’s why we’re not just developing officials—we’re giving them international exposure, hosting workshops, and expanding their reach.”
Ghana’s journey toward full rugby league recognition is a game-changer, according to Jones. “This is a massive step forward, and local referees stand to benefit immensely,” he explained. During his week-long visit, Jones oversaw the final technical education modules for Ghanaian officials progressing through the IRL development pathway, certifying 5 level-one and 3 level-two match officials.
Jones’s experience in Ghana was capped by his role as referee in the high-stakes “Jollof Derby” between Ghana’s Leopards and Nigeria, as well as the closing match between Ghana and the USA’s Roots. Assisted by Ghanaian touch officials Marshall Nortey and Jacqueline Ansah—the latter set to become Ghana’s first accredited female level 2 match official—Jones witnessed firsthand the talent emerging from the region.
Ansah made history in 2022 as the first woman to officiate a competitive senior men’s match in Africa during the Middle East–Africa Championship in Accra. Meanwhile, Nortey, alongside Kenya’s Brian Odiwuory, recently officiated at the Euro C Championship in Italy, showcasing Africa’s growing influence on the global stage. Both are now on track to become IRL Level 1 Match Official Educators, empowering them to train officials across the sub-region.
Several RLFG officials, including Elizabeth Adongo, Jennifer Moncar, and John Bless Mensah, are nearing their Level 1 certifications, while Nortey, Ansah, and Chris Da-Gama Idan Odum are poised to qualify at Level 2. This pipeline of talent is a testament to Africa’s rising prominence in rugby league officiating.
Jones, Wales’ first dual-code international referee, has officiated in the Betfred Super League, League One, and numerous international fixtures since 2021. His expertise and passion for developing African referees underscore the continent’s potential to shape the future of the sport.
But here’s the question: Is Africa’s refereeing talent being recognized enough on the global stage? Or is the focus still too heavily on traditional rugby powerhouses? Let’s spark a conversation—share your thoughts in the comments below. The future of African Rugby League referees is bright, but it’s up to us to ensure their talent gets the spotlight it deserves.
