Men's NCC
Rugby League Jamaica (RLJ) has unveiled its 2024 domestic calendar as it commemorates 20 years of growing rugby league in the country. In its milestone 20th year, the organization will execute its most extensive domestic calendar yet, featuring over eight competitions. Additionally, RLJ has refreshed its competition logo branding to resonate with its vibrant and supportive fanbase. The Doctor Bird branding, rooted in their early years, serves as a beacon guiding them into the future.
The domestic season commences on Saturday, February 10th, with the inauguration of the Intercollegiate 9s Championship. Participating institutions include the University of The West Indies, University of Technology, Mico University College, Caribbean Maritime University, Excelsior Community College, and Browns Town Community College. The event will take place at the Mico University campus, with a 11 am start.
Parish Of Residence- Women
Throughout the year, there will be four Community Club 9-a-side tournaments. The first, “New Year’s 9s," is scheduled for February 17th at the UWI Mona Bowl. Wigan-Leigh College U18s from England will join local community clubs in this event. Wigan will also compete against Jamaica Hurricanes U19s on February 24th at the same venue.
In the first half of the year, other events include the launch of the High School U14 and U16 Championships on February 23rd, Easter 9s on April 7th, the inaugural U23 Club Championship on April 23rd, the Women’s National Club Championship (WNCC) on April 27th. The Men’s National Club Championship (NCC) and U19 Championships then kick off on May 4th and July 20th, respectively.
High School Championship, Campion College vs Cedar Grove Academy
The latter half of the year will witness the return of the National Knock-Out Cup on September 14th, the High School Boys and Girls U19 Championships begins October 17th, Men’s Division 2 Championship starts November 23rd, and the culmination of the calendar closes with the Christmas 9s on December 21st.
Rugby League Jamaica's National and Representative teams are also set to partake in matches, with details regarding opponents and dates to be announced in due course.
Romeo Monteith, Director of Rugby, anticipates 2024 to be a landmark year in the history of the sport, stating, "It’s an exciting period; we have never before planned such an array of activities in a single year. This is particularly gratifying as we celebrate our 20th anniversary.
It is evident that rugby league is steadily growing, and we remain committed to expanding opportunities for Jamaicans to engage with the sport. Challenges persist, notably the absence of a dedicated rugby field in the country. Nevertheless, this has not deterred us; we persist in our efforts to innovate and be robust in our offerings."