At the end of this year, sixteen nations will contest the Rugby League World Cup. Most casual fans would know about Australia, New Zealand and England; but over the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to some of the other teams.

Jamaica will be competing at the World Cup for the first time. A nation of just under three million people, Jamaica is better known for producing world class athletes for the West Indies cricket team and for the Olympic champion runner Usain Bolt, than rugby league.

Yet, in November 2018, Jamaica upset the USA 16-10 in Florida to earn qualification at the World Cup. Although they have a modest winning record of 32% at test level, Jamaica currently sit just inside the top twenty in the world rankings.

The Jamaica Rugby League Association was formed in 2004, and a domestic competition began the following year featuring just four teams. Jamaica came close to qualifying for the 2011 World Cup, but were beaten by USA in the final of their pool.

Fans of the National Rugby League would be familiar with Dom Young, who has spent 2022 with Newcastle. A tall outside back, Young could be a key player for Jamaica. Another one two watch is Ben Jones-Bishop who scored two tries in the victory over the USA three years ago. A veteran of the English leagues, Jones-Bishop has scored more than 150 career tries.

Jamaica has been drawn to play Ireland, New Zealand and Lebanon in the pool games. They have a win over Ireland to their credit, but the other teams may prove more challenging. Regardless of the results, the presence of Jamaica at the World Cup will provide an opportunity for fans around the world to watch one of the rising nations of the game.