Help Jamaican-heritage players represent Jamaica at the Rugby Americas North Championship in Mexico 2026.
The Jamaica UK Rugby Pathway is a structured development programme connecting Jamaican-heritage players born and raised in the UK with the Jamaican national rugby system in association with the RFU. Led by Nash Cohen, Head of Elite Youth Development for Jamaica Rugby and founder of the Elite Rugby Academy, the pathway identifies, develops, and transitions talented players from UK grassroots rugby into international competition.
We work with players aged 14-19, providing elite coaching, physical preparation, and a clear route to representing Jamaica on the world stage. Our coaching team includes former professional players and international coaches. Our players train with intensity, compete with purpose, and carry the Jamaican flag with pride.
In 2026, Jamaica Rugby has qualified to compete in the Rugby Americas North Championship in Mexico, a continental tournament that serves as a direct pathway to World Cup qualification. This is the biggest competitive opportunity in Jamaica Rugby's recent history.
The total cost of the campaign...is £65,000, with Sport England match funding doubling every pound donated up to £15,000 raised, meaning the first £15,000 donated becomes £30,000.
This isn't just a rugby trip. It's proof that a structured, community-rooted pathway can take players from UK grassroots clubs to international representation at the highest level. Every donation directly funds a player's journey to Mexico.
Less than 10% of UK rugby participants come from ethnic minority backgrounds (Sport England, 2020). The Jamaica UK Rugby Pathway exists to change that by creating a genuine, high-performance route for players who have historically been overlooked by the mainstream pathway.
Player travel grants — £55,000
Flights, accommodation, and meals for the squad travelling to Mexico for the Rugby Americas North Championship.
Coaching team costs — £10,000
Travel, accommodation, and operational costs for the coaching, medical and support staff.
Total campaign target: £65,000
We have applied for Sport England match funding — if approved, every pound donated up to £15,000 will be doubled." This keeps the potential incentive visible without making a false claim.
The Jamaica UK Rugby Pathway is one of the only structured programmes in the UK specifically designed to develop Jamaican-heritage youth and connect them to international sport. The impact goes beyond sport.
Research consistently shows that shared cultural identity strengthens belonging, motivation, and performance in sport. When players see coaches and teammates who share their heritage, they stay. When they have a credible pathway to international competition, they commit. This programme creates that environment.
Players in our programme develop not just as rugby players, but as decision-makers, leaders, and ambassadors for their communities. Many come from areas with limited access to elite sport. The pathway gives them a structure, a standard, and a destination.
Success in Mexico strengthens Jamaica Rugby's international standing, creates visibility for the pathway, and opens doors for the next generation of players coming through.
1. Make a pledge. We've applied for Sport England match funding- if confirmed, your donation could go twice as far. Get in early.
2. Spread the word. Share this campaign with your rugby club, your network, and anyone who believes in giving talented players a real chance. The more people we reach, the more players we can send to Mexico.
3. Choose a reward tier. From a supporter shoutout to a Q&A with Nash, Dannii, and the coaching team; there's a tier for every level of support.
4. Fundraise for us. Running a sponsored event? A club raffle? Use the contact button to let us know and we'll support you.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 15th July 2026 at 5:31pm