Jamaica keen on setting up a women’s rugby league team

Daniel Williams 16 Nov 2022 11:00 AM

Leeds Rhinos stars Elychia Watson and Sophie Robinson are living the dream by proudly representing their Jamaican heritage playing Rugby 7s in The Bahamas. — Elychia Watson (left) and Sophie Robinson (right) in The Bahamas representing Jamaica

Jamaica are hoping to set up their first women’s team after the recent exploits of their male side, making it to their first-ever Rugby League World Cup.

The Jamaica Rugby League Association was started in 2004 and have just seen their men’s national side compete in a Rugby League World Cup for the first time.

Following the growth of rugby league in Jamaica, they believe the next step in its development is to create a pathway for women to represent their country.

Men’s lead coach Roy Calvert has revealed that they are planning to start a women’s programme for rugby league in Jamaica.

Leeds Rhinos stars Sophie Robinson and Elychia Watson have previously represented her Jamaican heritage in Rugby 7s.

Robinson said: “Alex Simmons (operations director for Jamaica RL) is really big on having a Jamaica women’s rugby league team so I’ve been in conversations about that. Hopefully we will be able to introduce a Jamaica rugby league team out.

“There is girls who I’ve played 7s with who could make the crossover. It would be a strong team; it’s just having the time to get everyone together because I know everyone lives in different places so that’s probably the biggest hurdle in actually getting everyone training and playing together.”

LADY CROCS: Meet the Leeds Rhinos stars representing Jamaica in The Bahamas

Sophie Robinson: The next step is to get a women’s Jamaica team

Elychia Watson and Sophie Robinson Jamaica

Elychia Watson (left) and Sophie Robinson (right) are presented with their Jamaica 7s caps

Speaking to Love Rugby League back in May, Robinson said: “The men have done it. I think the next step is to get a women’s Jamaican team. We would compete (with other nations) which would be good.

“I reckon there are a few girls in the Super League and Championship (with Jamaican heritage). The girls who we went on tour with play league in Jamaica as well.

“There are always opportunities to link up with girls living on the island. Hopefully we can work towards that and have a team in the next World Cup.”