BARLA Great Britain Cougars the Under 23’s arm of BARLA’s international pathway flew out today Wednesday 6th June from Gatwick Airport, London on the BARLA Jubilee Tour of Jamaica. It continues the ethos of ‘Play for BARLA and see the World’ as the pioneers of the amateur game since 1973 make their first visit to West Indies.

During the fourteen day tour the squad will be based at the Four Seasons Hotel, Kingston and during their stay they will be kept busy playing three games and involved in coaching clinics during the twelve days on the island.

Their opening game is on Saturday 9th June when they play the first Test Match against Jamaica at the National Stadium East, followed on Wednesday 13th June against Jamaica Intercollegiate All Stars at the UWI Stadium. The final game is on Saturday 16th June when they play the second Test Match against Jamaica at the GC Foster College Stadium.

BARLA Great Britain International Manager Mick Turner said,

“This is the first time that a BARLA side has been involved in a tour of Jamaica, one of the West Indies islands and we are going there to help in their continued development in rugby league. This will involve playing three games including Two Tests against the Jamaica national side and the coaches and players visiting local schools giving coaching clinics to improve their skills in the game.

“We are also taking referee Joe Cobb with us on the tour to officiate the Test Matches which will also be a great experience and learning curve for him and he will be passing on his skills and experience whilst there. On previous BARLA tours we have taken referees with us who have gone on to referee in World Cups, Internationals and Super League so it is a great step for Joe.

“Last year Jamaica lost out to the USA in the World Cup qualifying competition decider in Jacksonville after both countries defeated South Africa. Although they lost out for next year’s World Cup in Great Britain our intention is to help them develop their game and in years to come qualify for that competition.

“The Cougars have been training hard in preparation for this tour and are aware of what is expected of them as ambassadors of this country and for all of them this is the next step up on BARLA’s international pathway which this year will see the BARLA Great Britain Lions play the South Sydney Ambassadors at Sale some hours before the Stobart Super League Grand Final at Old Trafford.

“It is also a learning curve for them in visiting Jamaica and learning the culture and traditions of this island. They will have a few days acclimatisation including a number of training sessions as they hit the ground running with their opening Test Match against Jamaica. I would like to thank all our sponsors who have helped to make this tour possible.”

The BARLA Great Britain Cougars Squad:

Squad: James Edward Barker (Milford Marlins), John Paul Brocklebank (Captain), (Egremont Rangers), Troy William Brophy (Warrington Wizards) ,Gavin Conroy (Widnes St Maries), Paul Corkhill (Egremont Rangers), James Michael Delaney (Dewsbury Moor) , Jamie Fields (Hunslet Old Boys), Ross Gainsford (Kells), Jonny Goulding (Cockermouth Titans), David Jones (Vice Captain), (West Bank Bears), Danny Lynch (Pilkington Recs), Adam Masson (Shaw Cross Sharks), Phillip Morrison (Thatto Heath Crusaders), Daniel John Morrow (Walney Central), Thomas Paul Richardson (West Hull), Jack Terence Ridsdill (West Hull), Lyndon Robertson (Leigh East), Tom Saunders (Hunslet Old Boys), Daniel James Sayle (Dalton), Jack Sinclair (New Earswick), Jack James Sutherland(Barrow Island), Clayton Edward Sutton (Egremont Rangers), Christopher Warren (Millom). Management Mick Turner International Manager, Philip Johnson Team Manager, Spen Allison BARLA Chair, Michael Fishwick Coach, Darryl Cardiss Coach, Joe Cobb (Referee) Stephen Thompson Physio, Sean High Media Manager, Richard Davies Equipment Manager

Steve Manning
BARLA Media Manager