Jamaica and Canada have both agreed to a reciprocal arrangement in which both countries will be competing in rugby fixtures.

The agreement will see Canada’s Wolverines travelling to Jamaica next year. As a build-up to that date, Lamport Stadium in Toronto is to again host a senior men’s rugby league international for ranking points, when Canada faces Jamaica on October 19.

Jamaica is building up for its appearance as the Americas representative in the inaugural 2025 World Series, as the national side attempt to qualify for a second successive men’s World Cup to be held in Australia in 2026. 

Commenting on the deal, Jamaica’s director of rugby, Romeo Monteith, says, “Playing annual internationals is crucial to engaging our playing community, sponsors and fans. We won’t improve as a nation unless we have regular games. It is a priority for us to play Canada and the US in men’s and women’s fixtures annually.”

According to him, “It’s always tough playing on the road, we have to contend with visa issues, time off work for players and of course the costs. However, the challenges make those games even more special. We have never won away versus Canada and so we expect another tough assignment.

For his part, Canada men’s head coach, Aaron Zimmerle comments, “we look forward to welcoming Jamaica to Toronto. Apart from meeting at the Americas Championship, geography makes playing regularly difficult for both nations. The dual game agreement allows our ever-improving Wolverines to plan for more challenges which is just what we need and want.”

Canada Rugby League Association (CRLA) chair John Cameron explains, “We’re excited to enter into this home and away series with Jamaica, where our women already were welcomed with such warm hospitality last autumn. We hope to share the same spirit of friendship with the Jamaica men as they visit the heart of rugby league in eastern Canada.”