USA, Canada and Jamaica will compete in 2016 for Americas bragging rights.
Following the success of their games in the Rugby League World Qualifiers last season - which saw Brian McDermott’s USA make the finals in 2017 - Canada, Jamaica and America have unveiled a new tournament, ‘The Rugby League Americas Cup.
Each nation will play the other to determine the 2016 champions of the region, at venues in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Toronto. The aim is to play The Rugby League America Cup annually which will be discussed at the completion of this tournament.
USARL Chairman Peter Illfield commented: “The previous games between us in the World Cup were sensational; we only just beat Jamaica who then held Canada to a draw, with the Wolverines leading us at half time in the decider. Having rivals in such close proximity provides a healthy environment for success, extra motivation for our players, and further expansion of the sport.”
The opening Rugby League Americas Cup clash will see Canada Wolverines face the Reggae Warriors on 16 July at Levitown, Pennsylvania, USA. The following Saturday night, USARL Hawks play against Jamaica in Conshohocken, Philadelphia, USA. The final match, between Canada and the USA on 24 September at Lamport Stadium, Toronto will also count as the first leg of the Colonial Cup between the old rivals. The second leg of the Colonial Cup will be in the USA on 1 October.
“This competition is crucial to the development of the game in the region, gaining us increased exposure and credibility,” said Canada captain Steve Piatek. “It will provide a pathway for the athletes being produced by each nation.”
Jamaica head coach Romeo Monteith added: “The Americas Cup will give our players a meaningful international calendar, which we hope will become a regular series.”
RLIF chairman Nigel Wood, who attended the final world cup qualification match in Jacksonville last December, said: “This is a very significant initiative in the development of our sport internationally. All three nations are to be congratulated for taking the world cup qualifying process onto the next logical level. The introduction of this tournament together with the admission of the Toronto Wolfpack club into the RFL competition structure in 2017 represents a steep change in the position of rugby league in the Americas.”
Rugby League Americas Cup
- Canada vs Jamaica - July 16th 3pm (Levitown) Pennsylvania USA
- USA vs Jamaica - July 23rd 7pm (Conshohocken) Philadelphia USA
- Canada vs USA - Sept 24th 7pm (Toronto) Canada