Rugby Union to host telethon for Americas Championship

WITH A lack of funding for the national rugby teams, the Jamaica Rugby Football Union (JRFU) has decided to use an unusual method to come up with money for upcoming international competitions.

Their solution: a telethon, which will be held tomorrow and will be broadcast on the JRFU website ( http://www.jamaicarugby.org.jm).

The JFRU has a goal of $7 million.

“We were able to tap into the skills possessed by our volunteers and the individuals they were able to bring on board,” said JRFU chairman Jerry Benzwick.

Benzwick said the money is needed to cover the team’s expenses for the Rugby Americas North Championship.

“It is geared towards supporting our under-19 men’s team and senior women’s 15s teams for the upcoming Rugby Americas North Championship being held at the UWI Mona Bowl from July 12-16,” said Benzwick.

“Any surplus we make will go towards the under-18 boys team for the upcoming Youth Commonwealth Games and our men’s and women’s 7s team for the Olympic qualifiers in Canada.”

Benzwick hopes the fundraising event will attract as many donors as possible.