The Jamaican Rugby League team departed for Philadelphia for their participation in the World Cup Atlantic qualifiers against South Africa and the USA.
Prior to departure the Jamaican rugby squad which includes rugby league legend Des Drummond on their coaching staff congregated at the Headingley Carnegie stadium.
Paul Rowson, Executive Chairman of the Leeds Rugby Foundation met up with the squad and provided a few words of inspiration and wished the squad a successful trip.
‘We are delighted to be able to continue and extend our support to the Jamaican Rugby League team. The players have been wonderful ambassadors on and off the field and have played a crucial part in our developments within the local communities providing positive roles models, raising aspirations for people of all ages to aspire to’,commented Paul.
‘One of the successful outcomes partnering with the Jamaican Rugby League team with our development staff is the formation of the pioneering Chapletown Cougars junior club who actually played in their first ever competitive game this weekend’.
The Leeds Rugby Foundation have developed a very strong partnership with the Jamaican Rugby League Association over the past six years which includes hosting the squad at the Headingley Carnegie facilities, player exchanges, sending staff out to Jamaica to support their developments, providing resources such as playing kit to teams out in Jamaica and transportation etc.
Dean Thomas, Head coach of the Jamaican Rugby League team stated ‘ The support of the Leeds Rugby Foundation over the years has been fantastic. Just to be associated with a world class team and have use of their world class facilities is an honour and privilege. We cannot thank Paul Rowson and the Leeds Rugby Foundation enough for all their wonderful support. We look forward to a successful trip to Philadelphia and hopefully cementing our name in 2013 world cup and be back based in Leeds.
The Jamaican Rugby League team kick off their World Cup qualifier campaign tomorrow against South Africa.