ROOTS, RHYTHM & RUGBY
Exhibition · Spoken Word · Music · Community · Sport
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Roots, Rhythm & Rugby brings together sport, culture, community and the arts to celebrate Jamaican rugby league and the people and stories behind it.
The project explores the history and heritage of Jamaican rugby league through a pop-up exhibition, alongside spoken word, music, performance and community activity.
Originally presented as part of Homegrown Festival 2026 at Battersea Arts Centre, the project brought together an exhibition, spoken word, an open mic, DJ sets, family activities, food, games and fundraising in support of the UK-based Jamaican Rugby League Men's Team - The Reggae Warriors - and their journey to the Emerging Nations Tournament in Sydney.
We're continuing the project beyond its original presentation, with a version of the exhibition coming to Bedford Rugby Club on 30 August 2026.
At the centre of Roots, Rhythm & Rugby is a pop-up exhibition exploring the history of Jamaican rugby league and its connection to identity, culture and community.
The exhibition brings together stories and heritage from the sport, creating a space to learn about the people who have helped shape Jamaican rugby league and celebrate its place within Jamaican culture.
The exhibition continues to travel, allowing the project to reach new audiences and communities.
THE EXHIBITION
THE LAUNCH EVENT
The exhibition was accompanied by a day of live programming celebrating Jamaican culture, rugby and community, hosted by DUKE AL, with spoken word, poetry, an open mic, DJ set from TheVine, food, games and family activities.
As part of the programme, commissioned poet DUKE AL created and performed an original piece inspired by the Jamaican Rugby League Men's Team, The Reggae Warriors. The day also featured a live Q&A with members of the team, giving audiences the chance to hear directly from the players about their experiences, journeys and representing Jamaica.
Bringing together artists, players, rugby fans, families and the wider community, the event celebrated the culture and people behind Jamaican rugby league - both on and off the pitch.
NEXT PRESENTATION
The Roots, Rhythm & Rugby exhibition is heading to Bedford Athletic Rugby Club on 30 August 2026 as part of a second fundraising event for the team.
This event is being organised by Just Purple Presents and Jamaica Rugby League UK, with Purple String bringing the exhibition and supporting its delivery.
£1 Entry - Pay on the Door - No Booking Required
CREDITS & CONTRIBUTIONS
Credits & Contributors
Project Produced by
Purple String Productions
In collaboration with
Jamaica Rugby League UK Men's Team
Original presentation
Battersea Arts Centre · Homegrown Festival 2026
Artists
Host & commissioned poet - DUKE AL
DJ - TheVine
Speakers - Ben Jones-Bishop, Joshua Hudson-Lett, Ann-Marie Jones-Bishop
Jamaica Rugby League UK fundraising team
Jammer, Debbie, Martin
With thanks to
the coaches, players, families and volunteers who gave their time to support the project.
Supported by
Battersea Arts Centre through the Next Gen Producers programme
Bedford Presentation produced by
Just Purple Projects
Supported by
Bedford Athletic Rugby Club
Exhibition presented by
Purple String Productions