About – Jamaica Rugby Football Union

WHO WE ARE

Rugby in Jamaica is more than a sport—it is a story of passion, resilience, and the unyielding spirit of a small island making waves on the global stage.

OUR HISTORY

The roots of rugby in Jamaica stretch back over a century, tracing to the early 1900s when the game was first played on our shores by British expatriates and visiting naval officers. What began as an informal pastime soon evolved into a competitive local sport, embraced by schools and communities who saw in it the values of discipline, teamwork, and courage.

Despite limited resources and little global recognition, Jamaica made its mark. The country played its first test match in 1960, planting the seed of national pride and ambition. From there, the journey was uphill—but never backward.

OUR CORE VALUES

Integrity

This value emphasizes honesty, fairness, and playing by the rules.

Passion

Rugby is known for its passionate enthusiasm and emotional attachment to the game.

Solidarity

Rugby fosters a unifying spirit, creating lifelong friendships, camaraderie, and loyalty among players and fans.

Discipline

Adhering to the laws, regulations, and rugby’s core values is essential.

Respect

Respect for teammates, opponents, referees, and all those involved in the game is paramount.

Building a National Movement

The Jamaica Rugby Football Union (JRFU) was formally established as the sport’s governing body, leading efforts to grow rugby at all levels—from grassroots initiatives to elite national teams. Over the decades, the JRFU has developed structured competitions, cultivated homegrown talent, and secured Jamaica’s place in the regional and international rugby conversation.

The Union’s unwavering commitment has seen Jamaica rise to prominence, especially in the rugby sevens format. Our teams have competed in regional tournaments such as the Rugby Americas North (RAN) Championships, Central American and Caribbean Games, and Commonwealth Games, proudly representing the black, green, and gold with grit and determination.

Milestones and Firsts

In 2017, history was made when Jamaica became the first Caribbean nation to qualify for the Rugby World Cup Sevens, hosted in San Francisco in 2018. That same year, the men’s team also qualified for the Hong Kong Sevens World Series Qualifier—a sign of Jamaica’s growing credibility in the global rugby arena.

The women’s team, affectionately known as the Lady Crocs, is another source of national pride. Ranked 2nd in the Caribbean, 5th in the Americas, and consistently improving their world ranking, these women have become trailblazers for female participation in contact sports. Their squad includes a mix of local and overseas-based talent, proudly united by their Jamaican heritage.