The JRLA was established in July of 2004 and the inaugural season kicked off in 2005. Since then, the  Jamaica Rugby League has built a reputation, both home and abroad of being a dynamic and progressive organization. Playing began with four teams, the Olympic Angels, Vauxhall Vultures, Jamaica Defence Forse and the Duhaney Park Sharks.

In 2006, the league was joined by the Jamaica Constabulary Force Knights and then the Montego Bay Cobras in 2008. Remarkably, the league has managed to establish and equip five community based rugby league fields and supplied each club with posts, balls, technical equipment and playing gear.

The have implemented a community relations programme with the Constabulary Knights that involves coaching and mentoring in students homes and schools. The season commences in may of each year, and consists of the Community Challenge Trophy, where the previous year's league champions take on the previous season's premiership winners. Ten rounds of league play, where each team play home and away, followed by weeks of premiership competition. All games are played at community club grounds in Jamaica.

The year 2007 saw the introduction of the Kingston and St. Andrew Rugby League to govern the league in Kingston and it is hoped that this model will be used to expand the sport to other parishes. The first Under 19 game was played in 2007 as well, between the Vauxhall Vultures and the Duhaney Park Sharks. It is hoped that 2009 will see the introduction of a full Junior program in schools around Kingston.

The JRLA is directly aligned with, and have adopted in full, all of the RFL structures and policies.

All club and national coaches and Match Officials are RFL trained and qualified with courses being conducted in Jamaica by personnel supplied by Richard Lewis and the RFL.They have close connections with expatriate Jamaicans and West Indians globally and pro clubs such as Leeds Rhinos and Sheffield Eagles, and have had delegations visit the UK to work in Jamaican communities and with Jamaicans playing in the pro leagues there.

To date the JRLA has hosted Ronnie the Rhino and the West Yorkshire Police RL (2006), The Royal Air Force RL (2008) and sent a rep side to compete against the Jacksonville Axmen in Florida (2007). A delegation was sent to the UK in 2007 on a fact finding mission and a Development Officer appointed by the RLEF in 2009.

Being a totally indigenous and self financing organisation and having proved their sustainability and commitment to the game, with the completion of three years competitive play, our international exposure and hosting of incoming tours; the expansion planned and the reputation they have earned both at home and internationally, it is time for Jamaica to officially enter the international arena.

To this end the Jamaica Rugby League Association officially applied for Affiliate Membership and International status with the RLIF, this was granted in 2008. We anxiously await our first international game. In preparation for out international future, Dean Thomas of the Sheffield Eagles (UK) was appointed head coach in 2008.