Jermaine Coleman says Jamaica have something to build on after making its World Cup debut against Ireland at Headingley.

The Jamaicans went down 48-2 to Ireland in their first-ever tournament game.

“To be here and experience a World Cup is a massive achievement for us,” Coach Coleman said.

“The atmosphere was great. [But] it’s not just about the World Cup, it’s about the platform we’re laying and the foundations we’ve been building.

“It’s about pride, it’s about honour and representing tour country to the best of your ability.

“It’s about inspiring the next generation. There’s an appetite for rugby in the Jamaican community.”

“It’s an amazing achievement [just to be here].

“There’s been a lot of hard work over a number of years.”

 
Ashton Golding said the match was “really special” for Jamaica.

“We can work better and we can review, but I didn’t see at any point us giving up,” the captain said.

“There was no die in us. There’s something to build on.

“There’s a good foundation to build on.”

Golding captained the country and started at hooker at Headingley.

“To be here today, emotions are high,” he said.

“You can’t fault the effort, attitude of the boys. We’re proud as punch to be honest.

“1-17 everyone had a dig there.”