Harry Jones will become the first Wales Wheelchair international to officiate at the Celtic Cup, when he takes the part of second referee in the Scotland v Ireland match at Archer’s Arena, Cardiff Metropolitan University on Saturday 24 May.
This will be game two of the one-day tournament, which is sandwiched between Wales v Scotland and Wales v Ireland.
Jones, who won 44 caps for Wales between 2014 and 2024, said: “It feels fantastic to be back involved in the international scene, though it does feel that bit more special coming back as a match official, especially with the fixtures taking place in Wales.
“I had the honour and privilege to represent the national team for 10 years and then to be asked to be the Welsh match official is such an amazing feeling.
“Back in 2013, I got to briefly be an official in a men’s World Cup warm-up match, but now to be given the opportunity to not only officiate a single international but to be a part of the team for an entire tournament is a great honour and privilege.
“Last year I made the decision to step away from playing due to various reasons and I honestly got some FOMO (fear of missing out) during last year’s Celtic Cup. So to be invited this year as a match official is truly special.”
International Rugby League will also break new ground at the Celtic Cup when former England international Adam Rigby becomes the first person to referee a wheelchair senior international from a wheelchair.
Rigby, part of England’s 2008 and 2021 Wheelchair World Cup winning squads, who recently announced his retirement from playing the international game, is a full-time wheelchair user after being born with Familial Spastic Diplegia – a condition which affects joint mobility reducing the ability to fully extend hips, knees and ankles.
The 2025 Wheelchair Celtic Cup will be played on May 24 at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cyncoed Campus, with all three games between hosts Wales, Scotland and Ireland on the one day.
Rigby said: “I first started officiating a few seasons ago during some friendly games at Wigan with our reserves and development team, but the real turning point came during a competition in Hull. I’d made a comment about a decision during a match, and one of the officials over heard me and said, ‘If you think you can do better, why don’t you do it?’ That challenge stuck with me. The very next day, I completed the wheelchair officiating course.
“I was a bit shocked when I found out about the appointment to the Celtic Cup, especially considering how long some of the other officials have been involved in the game.
“But I’ve been putting in the work, squeezing in as many officiating opportunities as I could around my playing commitments, so it’s a proud moment to see that effort recognised. I’m expecting the games to be fast, intense, and full of quality—and I can’t wait to be a part of it from the other side with the whistle!”
Rigby and Jones will be joined in the squad by one of the wheelchair game’s most experienced match officials, Matthew Ball, and Jake Brook, who made his international debut at the 2024 Celtic Cup in Ireland.
All games take place on Saturday 24th May at Cardiff Metropolitan University’s Cyncoed Campus with tickets available in advance here: https://ticketpass.org/event/ECZYWW/celtic-cup-2025
Fixtures and match official appointments
Wales v Scotland – 11:00 Kick Off
Lead Referee Adam Rigby (RFL)
Referee Jake Brook (RFL)
In Goal Matt Ball (RFL)
In Goal Harry Jones (WRL)
Scotland v Ireland – 13:00 Kick Off
Lead Referee Matt Ball (RFL)
Referee Harry Jones (WRL)
In Goal Jake Brook (RFL)
In Goal Adam Rigby (RFL)
Wales v Ireland – 15:00 Kick Off
Lead Referee Jake Brook (RFL)
Referee Matt Ball (RFL)
In Goal Adam Rigby (RFL)
In Goal Harry Jones (WRL)
