EAST Lancashire is a far cry from South America but that is from where Juan Jasso is trying to mastermind the rise of Latin American Rugby League.

The Blackburn College sports science lecturer, who comes from Texas, has been appointed the first chairman of the recently formed Latin American Rugby League Federation.

The former military man only took up Rugby League nine years ago but he is relishing the challenge of raising the profile of the sport.

Jasso, who played rugby union while serving in the UK between 1998 and 2004 switched codes when he returned to study at Leeds Met University five years later - and fell in love with the sport.

“A Texan playing Rugby Union is quite unusual let alone playing Rugby League,” said the 39-year-old. “When I moved to Leeds I decided to immerse myself in the culture and the sub culture and that of course included playing league.”

Jasso’s Rugby League adventure also saw him play for York City Knights and Keighley Cougars while he was also an assistant coach for the London Broncos academy teams.

Jasso who lectures on the FdSc Sports Coaching and Performance Foundation degree at the University Centre at Blackburn College is delighted with his appointment.

“This is a really exciting role as the FLRL is a new federation that has been created to develop rugby league in as many Latin American countries as possible,” said Jasso who also played and coached Latin Heat, a team that brought Latin American players together from across the globe to play in tournaments.

“The overall objective of the Federation is to represent Mexico, El Salvador, Ecuador, Chile, Brazil and Argentina and create sustainable competition in the region.

“I have been playing rugby since 2009 and incorporate the sport into my lessons on the FdSc Sports Coaching and Performance Foundation degree, wherever possible.

“In May, I will be a guest speaker at the Elite Sport Expo held in London where I will be highlighting the Federation and my work within the development of Latin American Rugby League.”

“I am really looking forward to working with the FLRL.”

* To find out more about the sport programmes available at Blackburn College visit www.blackburn.ac.uk