Busy 2024 calendar for Rugby Jamaica

RUGBY LEAGUE Jamaica (RLJ) has unveiled its 2024 domestic calendar as it commemorates 20 years of governing the sport in the country.

In its milestone 20th year, the organisation will execute its most extensive domestic calendar yet, featuring more than eight competitions.

Additionally, RLJ has refreshed its competition logo branding. The Doctor Bird branding, rooted in their early years, serves as a beacon guiding them into the future.

The domestic season began yesterday with the inauguration of the Intercollegiate 9s Championship.

Participating institutions include the University of the West Indies (UWI), University of Technology, Mico University College, Caribbean Maritime University, Excelsior Community College, and Brown’s Town Community College.

Throughout the year, there will be four Community Club 9-a-side tournaments. The first, ‘New Year’s 9s’, is scheduled for February 17 at the UWI Mona Bowl. Wigan-Leigh College U18s from England will join local community clubs in this event. Wigan will also compete against Jamaica Hurricanes Under-19s on February 24 at the same venue.

In the first half of the year, other events include the launch of the high schools’ Under-14 and Under-16 championships on February 23, Easter 9s on April 7, the inaugural Under-23 Club Championship on April 23, and the Women’s National Club Championship (WNCC) on April 27. The men’s National Club Championship (NCC) and Under-19 Championships then kick off on May 4 and July 20, respectively.

National Knock-Out Cup

The latter half of the year will witness the return of the National Knock-Out Cup on September 14, the high-school boys’ and girls’ Under-19 championships, which begins October 17, while the men’s Division 2 Championship starts on November 23. The year will close with the Christmas 9s on December 21.

Rugby League Jamaica’s national and representative teams are also set to partake in matches, with details regarding opponents and dates yet to be announced.

Romeo Monteith, director of Rugby, anticipates 2024 to be a landmark year in the history of the sport, saying: “It’s an exciting period; we have never before planned such an array of activities in a single year. This is particularly gratifying as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.

“It is evident that rugby league is steadily growing, and we remain committed to expanding opportunities for Jamaicans to engage with the sport. Challenges persist, notably the absence of a dedicated rugby field in the country. Nevertheless, this has not deterred us; we persist in our efforts to innovate and be robust in our offerings.”