Wales will take on Jamaica in a full international for the first time in their history on Friday, October 21 when the two nations collide at Wakefield’s Belle Vue Stadium.
The only time that the two countries have met before was in the Commonwealth Nines in Glasgow in 2014, where Wales ran out 34-0 winners.
Wales agreed to the full international to fill their gap weekend between two vital World Cup qualifiers games against Serbia and Italy.
Wales head coach John Kear, who was keen to maintain momentum during the qualifiers, said: “Jamaica will provide us with the ideal preparation game eight days before the crunch qualifying game against Italy, away in Monza. “
“At the same time, we are delighted to support the continued development of the international game by playing Jamaica and I’m excited to see what talent they will bring.
“The game will take place in Wakefield and will be the only major rugby league game taking place in the region that weekend, so we hope the whole of Yorkshire can get behind this game and buy a ticket; it should be a great night of sport.
“Enquiries were made to a number of venues in Wales. However, at the time of getting the match sanctioned, nobody could guarantee the date would be kept free, so it wasn’t possible.
“While I know Wales Rugby League are working on this, it just highlights again why the sport needs a permanent home in Wales.
“Wakefield stepped up with a great offer, the venue suited Jamaica and, whilst I know the WRL won’t make a habit of taking games out of Wales, we hope everyone can celebrate it as the unique event that it is.
“Everyone from the rugby league family acknowledges the game’s growth will come from the development of international game.
“We have purposefully set the prices at a very affordable £5 and £10 to ensure everyone can afford to go and do their bit in supporting international rugby league.”
The encounter will also be the first chance for Wakefield fans to welcome back Kear, who starts a new role with the club in November.
