The Caribbean island nation of Jamaica may not be the first country that comes to mind when it comes to rugby union, but one Bedford player is hoping to help his country to the next Rugby World Cup, and he needs your help.
Tristan Brown, who plays for Kempston Rugby Club, was first selected for Jamaica in January 2023 and has now been picked for the nation’s Rugby World Cup qualifier against The Bahamas in June.
“My inspiration to get involved with Rugby first started when I watched England on TV, watching icons like Johnny Wilkinson and Jason Robinson,” says Tristan.
“They really became my idols once I was hooked. As a young lad, I was fascinated by the Kiwis doing the Haka, and I had to tune into their games just to see it!”
However, unlike his heroes, Brown and the rest of his teammates have to fund the trip themselves, and Tristan is looking for the help of Bedfordians and beyond to help with the large costs of being involved.
Time is running out
Their goal is to raise £2,000 but time is running out and they will need to reach their goal by Friday, 3 May.
For the former Bedford Blues Academy player, the opportunity to represent his country doesn’t come around very often, and with the qualifier set to to take place on 29th June, the clock is ticking to turn dreams into a reality.
The Jamaican rugby team – nicknamed ‘The Crocs’ – have never qualified for a Rugby World Cup and while dreams of reaching Australia 2027 are alive, there is a real belief that the Jamaicans have the talent to give it a proper go.
You can donate to Tristan’s fund and help get him to the Caribbean here.
