The British Amateur Rugby Association (BARLA) U23s has completed a successful two week development tour of Jamaica, with outstanding performances on and off the field. The 33 strong contingent played three games in Kingston and conducted coaching clinics with several schools in the area.

They remained undefeated, beating Jamaica ‘B’ 78-4 at Duhaney Park Mini Stadium; were watched by around 1,500 fans at the Constant Spring Football Stadium as they overcame Jamaica Hurricanes - the island's sole semi-professional entity - 48-10 and were again triumphant against a Jamaica ‘A’ select, the visitors holding off early pressure to run out 66-20 victors.

In between their schedule of training and playing  matches, the tourists conducted several coaching clinics in schools and presented Edith Dalton James High with a brand new set of kit courtesy of Upton Rugby League Club.

JRLA Director of Rugby, Romeo Monteith,  believes the  tour achieved its objectives. “Once more a visiting rugby league team has experienced the hospitality that Kingston can offer and our domestic players have faced, perhaps, their strongest opposition ever,” he said.

“You could see the improvement in the technique and execution of the local lads over the three games.  We also received great support from our fans and, for the first time, the Jamaica Tourist Board helped to promote the tour and drive public awareness.”

“The workshops were fun and enjoyable for the kids who picked up greater skills and the BARLA lads were able to see the hard conditions in which the sport thrives in some developing countries.”