League: Jamaica qualify for Rugby League World Cup after historic win over the USA

Jamaica celebrate after the win. Photo / Twitter

Jamaica's Reggae Warriors have made history, qualifying for the Rugby League World Cup.

Defeating the United States 16-10 in the final of the Americas Championship in Jacksonville, the Jamaican side became the 11th nation to claim a spot in the 2021 World Cup - among the likes of the Kiwis, Australia and England.

The match mirrored Jamaica's first ever international test which was also against the USA in 2009 - just five years after rugby league in Jamaica started.

World History! We are goin' to the Rugby League World Cup Reggae Warriors win 16 - 10 against the USA! Thanks for all...

Posted by Rugby League Jamaica on Saturday, November 17, 2018

Jamaica were fast off the blocks in the first half of the clash with two penalty goals and two tries to put them well ahead of the USA Hawks by 16 points.

The Hawks didn't go down without a fight, however, after two quick tries just before halftime put a win for Jamaica in doubt.

The @JAMRugbyLeague Reggae Warriors 🇯🇲 have qualified for @rlwc2021 after defeating the @USAHawks 🇺🇸 16-10 in Jacksonville

The Jamaicans become the 11th team to qualify for the Men's tournament

USA will have a second chance to qualify for #RLWC2021 #RugbyLeague #IntRL pic.twitter.com/P4kYeOJ8N7

— International RL (@IntRL) November 17, 2018

The Reggae Warriors were suddenly forced into defence-mode as they desperately held tight onto their six-point buffer throughout the scoreless second half.

Quick to celebrate the historic achievement, Jamaica shared a Facebook post which read: "World History! We are goin' to the World Cup."

The USA Hawks will have a shot at claiming a spot in the World Cup in a repechage competition next year.