Jon Magrin leads Jamaica World Cup squad’s backing for Black Lives Matter

Jamaica front-row forward Jon Magrin, who plays in the Championship for Dewsbury Rams and operations director Alex Simmons spoke at a Black Lives Matter protest in Leeds yesterday.

The duo stressed the need for “positive action” to be taken in sport, business and education on the back of global awareness generated since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month.

Simmons, who is also a host of the Rugby AM television show, said work is already being done in Leeds to “break down barriers in the sport and in the community” ahead of the 2021 tournament when Jamaica will make their World Cup debut.

“We have already had very positive discussions with Black Lives Matter, Leeds Rhinos, Leeds City Council, Black Health Initiative, West Indian Carnival Leeds and the World Cup 2021 committee,” said Simmons.

“I’d like to commend the RFL, Super League and the World Cup for not having a tokenistic approach to the Black Lives Matter movement.

“I work in diversity every day and it has been great to see the sport own their lack of diversity and refreshing to hear their commitment to improving in all areas.”

Jamaica, whose backroom team includes former England Rugby Union World Cup winner Jason Robinson, played England Knights in a Test at Leeds Rhinos’ Headingley Stadium last autumn.

“It’s particularly great to see the commitment of Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves who both have initiatives underway to improve community engagement and take positive action to eradicate racism,” added Simmons.

“All the Jamaica boys have been so supportive of the campaign and I’m a proud member of the Black Lives Matter Leeds team.”

Jamaica’s captain Joe Brown, a centre with Newcastle Thunder, added: “Over the past month or so we have seen BLM tackle the injustice of ethnic minorities across the world and myself and Jamaica RL believe this is something we must support.”

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