Julia Lee WomenCentre Ambassador –
My Journey from the Pitch to Purpose
If you’d told a younger me — a proud Hull Kingston Rovers fan stood on the terraces in my red and white scarf — that one day I’d be in the middle of a rugby pitch surrounded by 26 men built like small houses, and that I’d be the one in charge, I’d have probably laughed out loud. But that’s exactly where life took me — armed with a whistle, a pair of muddy boots, and a belief that barriers are just challenges waiting for a bit of common sense and determination.
I didn’t set out to make history. I just loved the game. But somehow, I found myself breaking new ground as the first woman Rugby League referee to officiate men’s matches in both Great Britain and Australia. Fifteen years with that whistle taught me everything about teamwork, resilience, and communication — and let’s be honest, how to handle a few strong opinions from the crowd!
When you’re the only woman in a room full of men, you learn quickly that humour and confidence are your best allies. That, and knowing exactly when to blow that whistle!
After hanging up my boots, I wasn’t quite ready to leave the sport behind. I spent over 20 years working for the Rugby Football League, leading brilliant teams, managing a £19.4 million budget, and using rugby league as a tool to change lives. One of my proudest moments was championing equality and inclusion, helping to create the Festival of World Cups — a turning point that gave women’s and wheelchair athletes their rightful place on the world stage.
These days, my pitch looks a bit different. Through my organisation, Common-sense Initiative (CSI), I’ve swapped the mud for meeting rooms and the whistle for workshops. I get to work with incredible people — helping them unlock their potential, challenge limiting beliefs, and turn “I can’t” into “I absolutely can.” Whether it’s through NLP, hypnotherapy, or simply honest conversation, there’s nothing better than watching that lightbulb moment when someone realises just how capable they really are.
One of the things I’m most proud of recently is my work on two incredible heritage projects — Life with the Lionesses and The Pioneering Years. These tell the untold stories of women who played rugby league long before the spotlight was on them. Seeing these trailblazing athletes finally recognised — with caps, heritage numbers, and even a place in the Rugby League Hall of Fame — was genuinely emotional. Every door we push open today makes it that little bit easier for someone else to walk through tomorrow.
And now, the next chapter of that story is here. The Pioneering Years exhibition – The Pioneers: Women in Rugby League – is open at the University of Huddersfield, and it’s an absolute must-see. From the muddy parks of the North to the glamour of Wembley, it shines a light on the women who helped shape the game. There are rare photos, old kits, trophies, and some truly amazing stories that deserve to be heard.
As someone now proudly recognised on the Rugby League Roll of Honour, I look back and realise this journey was never just about sport. It’s always been about courage, connection, and creating opportunities for others.
The pitch might have changed, but my purpose hasn’t — breaking barriers, building belief, and celebrating the power of people to make history.
