The seventh year of the Jamaican inter-collegiate season has kicked off with six premier tertiary institutions taking part.

Defending champions Mico University College, GC Foster College, The University of the West Indies, The University of Technology, Excelsior Community College and debutants Caribbean Maritime Institute are those taking part.

All the teams will play each other twice, with the top four making the semi-finals on Saturday 15 April and the Grand Final and Third Place play off matches taking place the week after.

The competition remains a breeding ground for players for the Reggae Warriors national side and can now boast of producing Jamaica’s first domestic player to sign a full professional contract with the University of Technology’s Nathan Campbell joining Toronto Wolfpack.

Intercollegiate Rugby League chairman Romeo Monteith commented: “There is so much talent which abounds and the resources being invested by the institutions are reaping rewards. We expect to see more intercollegiate players go professional.

“There are many challenges but our colleges and universities have done so much for their rugby league student-athletes through scholarships, access to gyms and good coaching.  This year will be another exciting competition, no one can predict a winner.”