It’s been an eventful season both on and off the field for Bedford’s premier rugby league side, Bedford Tigers but one player’s campaign is set to continue after receiving a first international call up.
Joshua Hudson-Lett, a staple in the Tigers side, now has a chance to make his debut on the world stage as he has been chosen as part of a 20-man Jamaica squad to face Wales on 15 October at Neath Rugby Club in South Wales.
Speaking exclusively to Bedford Independent, Hudson-Lett outlined his delight at a maiden international call-up.
“I’m hoping to experience a great atmosphere as I’ve never played a match this big before and I’m hoping to score my first try as an international player”, said Joshua.
“I think Jamaica have a good chance of qualifying for the World Cup, we’ve just got to keep pushing for it and we’ll get it.
“I’d really love it if I got a chance to play in the World Series, but I’m only playing the Wales game. I was going to play against Canada (on 19 October) but a few things have unfortunately stopped me from going there.”
World Series preparation
Hudson-Lett is now in line to be part of the World Series taking place in South Africa.
The four-team competition is the final stepping stone towards qualification for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
With big games on the horizon for Jamaican rugby league, their Director of Rugby and Head of Jamaica’s men’s programme, Romeo Monteith is looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.
“As an organisation we are happy to face Wales at their home. They are a good team with a proud history in rugby league. Jamaica remains committed to playing at least one international in Europe annually and we hope to collaborate more often with Wales in the future.
“The game helps them prepare for their European World Cup qualifiers, and it helps us in our preparation for the World Series in 2025 as it’s vital our professional players get a chance to play together as often as possible.”
Jamaica will be joined by South Africa, Cook Islands as well as the winner of a four-team European competition, that includes Wales, with the winners and runners-up joining the eight other international sides who have already qualified for the sport’s showpiece event.
The competition was moved from 2025 to 2026 after France pulled out of hosting duties with Australia and Papua New Guinea taking up the mantle.
For Hudson-Lett however, the focus is on South Wales and a win in Jamaican yellow with the hopes of making a mark and building on an exciting future in the world of rugby league.
