Gibraltar Rugby U20s played against Jamaica U20s on Sunday, 10th November 2024 at Bournville Rugby Club. Our U20s rugby team beat Jamaica 27-24 in a thrilling Under-20s international match.
This historic occasion marked the first international fixture hosted by Bournville and the inaugural meeting between these two nations at this level.
This U20s rugby match showcased the competitive spirit of these emerging rugby nations. Although most players on both sides were UK-based, Gibraltar appeared better prepared, benefiting from two training sessions at Avery Fields in the preceding 48 hours. In contrast, Jamaica’s preparation was limited to a brief Sunday morning walk-through.
Despite their relative inexperience, both teams displayed tremendous enthusiasm and attacking flair.
Gibraltar’s fly-half, Harvey Leroy, was pivotal, scoring two tries and a penalty that ultimately secured the victory. Jamaica mounted a spirited comeback, with number eight Brandon Angol scoring twice from driving lineouts, and right wing Leon Nelson-Martin capitalising on a swift counter-attack.
Jamaica struck first, with left wing Aahron Graham-Mulvaney crossing the line after just ten minutes.
Gibraltar responded through No.8 Charlie Hill and No.13 Charlie Baker, whose powerful runs set the stage for Scrum Half Adrian Chumillas to deliver a looping miss pass to left wing Tom Hazan. Hazan finished expertly in the corner, narrowly avoiding an attempted intercept from Jamaica’s winger. Gibraltar’s discipline faltered shortly after, with second-row Lewis Honey receiving a yellow card for repeated team infringements. Despite being down to 14 men, Chumillas capitalised on a close-range penalty, tapping quickly and darting over the line. At halftime, Gibraltar led 12-5.
In the second half, Leroy redeemed a missed conversion from earlier with a well-struck penalty just five minutes in. Shortly afterward, he scored a try, capitalising on a clever change of direction and dummy run after a strong carry by Hill from a scrum near Jamaica’s try line. Gibraltar’s ill-discipline resurfaced when substitute Charlie Jacobson was yellow-carded for a deliberate knock-on during an intercept attempt. Jamaica immediately exploited their numerical advantage with a powerful driving maul that resulted in a try.
However, Leroy struck back, scoring his second try after No.20 Evan O’Reilly’s pick-and-go created a gap for him to burst through. Displaying deft footwork and pace, Leroy cruised under the posts. Jamaica responded valiantly with two more tries, one from another driving maul and another by Nelson-Martin, who exposed Gibraltar’s disjointed defence during a counter-attack.
In the final stages, Gibraltar’s resolute defence held firm, securing a hard-fought victory in their first-ever Under-20 international.
Gibraltar National Academy Director Tom Read expressed pride in his team, praising the “strength and resilience” shown by the young players in their debut match wearing the Red and White of Gibraltar.
Before kickoff, both teams observed a minute’s silence, with the Last Post performed by an assistant referee on his trumpet, in commemoration of Remembrance Sunday.
Match Officials:
- Referee: Harry Groves (RFU)
- Assistant Referees: Olly Robertson (RFU), Chris Mulroy (RFU)
- Fourth Official: Ben Thomas (WSoR)
Play For Gibraltar Rugby U20s
Are you, a parent or a grandparent born in Gibraltar? Then you are eligible to represent Gibraltar as part of our National Team! Join our open training sessions, and train in front of our National Team Head Coach and Technical Director.
Play Amateur Rugby in Gibraltar
If you would like to work in Gibraltar, you could apply for hospitality work, office jobs or in construction and play amateur rugby in Gibraltar. Send Gibraltar Rugby an email to playrugby@gibraltarrugby.gi for more information! You can also find out more here https://forms.gle/nrQ3h8kPRJxKY9Ea6
