Jamaica’s first professional rugby league franchise, Hurricanes Rugby League, has been officially launched at GC Foster College during a weekend of competition on the island.

The franchise is owned by ex-professional Australian rugby league player Dane Campbell, who intends to see the outfit competing against American or Canadian clubs by 2013. The idea is as novel as it is bold and Hurricanes General Manager is Roy Calvert, who is also the vice-captain of Jamaica’s national team.

The announcement was part of a weekend of 13-a-side activity which included the Fourth JRLA High School 9s which included first time entrants Anchovy High alongside Greater Portmore High, Spanish Town High, St. Georges College, Campion College, Calabar High, Vauxhall High, Tarrant High and Edith Dalton James High.

In the senior 9s, Pembroke Hall Rookies made their debut competing against traditional powerhouses, JDF, Duhaney Park and Vauxhall Vultures. Others competing included; Spanish Town Vikings, Greater Portmore Eliminators, Gregory Park Maroons and GC Foster College.