Women Reggae Warriors Name Squad for Historic Greece Clash
Jamaica’s Women Reggae Warriors have named a 18-player squad for their historic international against Greece on October 17 in Crete, as the team prepares to take another important step in the development of women’s rugby league in Jamaica.
The encounter will mark the first senior women’s international between Jamaica and Greece, providing both nations with an opportunity to earn valuable world ranking points while strengthening their presence on the international stage.
The Jamaica squad features a blend of players based in the United Kingdom and the United States. Rugby League Jamaica (RLJ) Director of Rugby Romeo Monteith praised the commitment of the players and staff whose efforts have helped make the historic fixture possible.
“We have assembled a very balanced squad for this historic game against Greece. We are especially thrilled to have Veronica, Kalina and Kamilha, who are all based in the USA, go over for this game. All the rest of our squad are UK based, and we are very appreciative of the efforts made by both players and staff to make this historic game possible,” said Monteith.
The USA-based trio of Veronica Blair, Kalina Anderson-Forbes and Kamilha Brennen adds further depth to the squad, joining a UK-based contingent that forms the core of Jamaica’s women’s programme for European fixtures. The involvement of players travelling from different countries highlights the commitment required to bring the team together for international competition.
Lead Coach Darren Collins said the preparation for the tour has been marked by a strong work ethic, high standards and a collective determination to represent Jamaica with pride.
“From our first training session together, the ladies set themselves high standards and are continually raising the bar. The players and staff have continued to put in the effort, challenge each other, and develop as a team. There has been a real sense of purpose throughout the preparation, with everyone understanding what it means to represent Jamaica on the international stage,” said Collins.
Collins explained that the team’s preparations have covered all aspects of performance, including fitness, defence, attack, communication and game management, while placing equal importance on developing the culture and unity needed to compete at the international level.
He also highlighted the contribution of players travelling from the United States and Canada, noting that bringing together athletes from different backgrounds has increased the squad’s depth, experience and competition for places.
“As Lead Coach of this tour, it has been a privilege to watch this group grow. We are not travelling to Greece simply to take part or just to try to make history. We are going there to compete. We want to test ourselves against international opposition, show what this Jamaica team is capable of, and put everything we have worked on into practice,” Collins added.
The coach acknowledged the challenge awaiting Jamaica but expressed confidence in the foundation established during preparations, with the squad determined to represent the country, their families, supporters and everyone who has contributed to the programme.
The Women Reggae Warriors will be looking to make their mark in Greece as they continue to build their international experience and pursue a first victory in the programme’s fifth meeting. The fixture represents another milestone in Jamaica’s efforts to strengthen its women’s rugby league pathway and establish a competitive presence on the international stage.
The match will take place at Elene Venizelou Stadium in Crete as part of a rugby league double-header. The men’s European Championship fixture between Greece and Germany will also be played at the venue.
Jamaica Women Reggae Warriors Squad
Maica Laing (Brontie Barbarians), Alexsis Smith (Crosfields), Hannah McPherson, Natalia Laing (Halifax), Elyse Royal (Illingworth), Emily Bell (London Broncos), Chevelle Clarke (St Helens), Darcey Price (Oldham), Rhys Morgan (Oldham), Eleanor Trezise (Bristol Golden Ferns/Cardiff Demons), Kalina Anderson-Forbes (Tampa Mischiefs), Gianna Noble-Cunningham, Kamilha Brennen, Makeda Lewis, Micha Newman, Tahnika Talbot, Tian Simms and Veronica Blair (Unsigned).
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