‘i’ve got my game head on – i can’t wait to be part of history’

When Abevia McDonald ran on to the pitch at Leigh Sports Village two weeks ago to play in the Rugby League World Cup match between Jamaica and Lebanon, his construction site colleagues could have been forgiven for doing a double take.

Because while the 30-year-old works a 50-hour week as a logistics supervisor, in his spare time Abevia has been training to take on the best rugby league players in the world, having been called up for the Jamaican squad.

“I’ve got my game head on,” said the winger – who also plays for the National Lotterysupported London Skolars and is known for his blistering speed – before the tournament. “It’s about getting prepared, getting my mindset right. I can’t wait to be part of history.”

Abevia’s success shines a spotlight on the importance of grassroots rugby. “In 2013, I was studying engineering and construction in Kingston, Jamaica,” he explained. “I played football, but one day I saw some lads passing round this weird-shaped ball, and was fascinated by the pace of the game.”

At 6ft 1in and weighing 16st 7lb, speedy Abevia was clearly made for rugby. After moving to London in November 2018, he joined London Skolars’ grassroots men’s community team, before working his way up the ranks to turn professional.

“I’ve loved every minute of it – even though training in the cold took some adapting,” he laughed.

The club receives grants from The National Lottery to nurture grassroots talent. “The funding makes all the difference, paying for equipment, kits and helping expand the offering for girls,” Abevia said. And it’s also thanks to National Lottery players that a further £9.3million will be pumped into rugby league over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Abevia’s family are so proud of his achievements and enjoying the buzz around the tournament. “I’ve flown Dad out from his home in Antigua so he can come to the matches,” he says. “It’s amazing to have him there in the stands.”