'It's been too long': USA to end four year absence from international scene in Jamaica
USA Hawks will play their first international in four years after travelling to Jamaica to meet the Reggae Warriors in a men’s senior international on December 2 at the University of West Indies’ Mona Bowl in Kingston (kick off at 3pm, local time).
The ninth encounter between the two nations, which is played for world ranking points, will be Jamaica's first match since their appearance in the World Cup a year ago - and only their third international at home in 18 years.
The Hawks lead 6-2 in matches against the Reggae Warriors, although Jamaica have won the last two encounters.
The hosts are set to hand debuts to Daniel Graham, Tahjay Lynch, Hakeem Richards, Kahil Green, Oshane Edie and Kamarine Williams but are without Khamisi McKain, who played in the World Cup but is recovering from a broken leg.
Jamaica men’s head coach, Roy Calvert, commented: “We are looking forward to this game as the Hawks have always been good competition for us.
"It’s important for nations in the Americas to provide opportunities for our domestic players to test themselves at a high level.
“Both countries are looking to debut several newcomers and that makes the game even more interesting. Jamaica’s squad has some exciting young players as strategically we are looking to build on the next generation to propel us over the next 10 years.
"The great thing is they get to play with legends like Thompson and Bailey who have been around for that long.”
The USA men’s team played their last international against Cook Islands four years ago; losing 38-16 in the RLWC2021 repechage game, and the Hawks will field a new-look side selected from seven clubs.
“I’m really happy to have the men’s Hawks playing again,” noted USA head coach Sean Rutgerson. “It has been too long between games. We are looking forward to being in Jamaica with eight new guys aiming to gain their first cap.”
JAMAICA SQUAD
Akeem Murray, Andrew Simpson, Chevaughn Bailey, Daniel Graham, Jade Harrison, Kenneth Walker, Kevin Thomas, Kile Nembhard, Marvin Thompson, Owen Linton, Ryan Grant (Duhaney Park Red Sharks), Adrian Hall, (Liguanea Dragons), Tahjay Lynch, (St Catherine OB Thundercats), Hakeem Richards, Kahil Green, Oshane Edie, Reinhardo Richards (Washington Blvd Bulls), Kamarine Williams, Omar Jones (West Kingston Hyenas)
USA SQUAD
Sean Hunt (Atlanta Rhinos) Tevita Bryce, Kyle Granby (Brooklyn Kings) Urban Iyo, Peter Lupton (Boston 13s) Ethan Ferrick (DC Cavalry) Ryan Bannerot, Jason Martin, Mason McCrory, David Washington, Malcom Webb, James Williams (Jacksonville Axemen) Wes Piggins (Southwest Florida Copperheads) Joe Eichner, Matt Finnesy, Gunnar Johnson, Bart Longchamp (Tampa Mayhem)
