Bringing island spirit, deep polo tradition and plenty of personality to Glen Farm, Team Jamaica returns for the 27th edition of one of the Newport International Polo Series’ most popular international matchups. Jamaica has been a fixture in the Series for more than two decades, consistently attracting some of the season’s largest and most spirited crowds.
The visitors return with confidence after defeating Team USA 10–7 in last summer’s meeting. This year’s lineup combines four generations of experience, proven scoring ability and more than a few memorable nicknames. With three players from St. Ann Polo Club and the familiar addition of Caleb Bryden, Jamaica brings a balanced 6-goal team prepared to make its 27th challenge count.
Craigy Russell
Playing from a 2-goal handicap, Craigy Russell is a veteran competitor and accomplished horseman whose polo career has taken him between Jamaica and the United States. After spending time sharpening his skills on the American polo circuit, Russell recently returned home to Jamaica and St. Ann Polo Club.
This will be Russell’s second appearance in Newport, but he may already be familiar to longtime followers of Jamaican polo. During his heyday, Russell earned the nickname “Supermodel”—a title that suggests he brings nearly as much style to the sidelines as he does strength and experience to the field. With a solid, composed playing style, he will provide an important foundation for the Jamaican lineup.
Zach Byles
Third-generation polo player Zack Byles arrives with the sport firmly rooted in his family history. Known as “Zack Attack,” the 1-goaler from St. Ann Polo Club developed his game at Chinook Farms alongside teammate Shane Chin.
Byles is recognized for his anticipation, skilled stick work and sharp shooting in front of goal—an ability he shares with his father. His instinct for reading developing plays allows him to find opportunities quickly, while his accuracy makes him particularly dangerous within striking distance. Returning for his fourth time representing Jamaica in Newport, Zack Attack will be looking for every opportunity to live up to his nickname.
Caleb Bryden
At just 22 years old, Caleb Bryden brings a lifetime of horsemanship and an increasingly impressive competitive résumé to the Jamaican side. A 2-goal player who began playing polo at only seven years old, Bryden combines confident riding with speed, control and a natural understanding of the game developed through years in the saddle.
Bryden’s connection to Team Jamaica extends well beyond this match. He has spent time living and working in Jamaica as a professional polo player alongside Shane Chin, becoming closely connected to the country’s players, horses and wider polo community. That experience has given him a strong familiarity with Jamaican polo and a natural place within Saturday’s lineup.
A powerful attacking presence, Bryden can create scoring opportunities, break away from defenders and remain dangerous around the goal. Newport fans have already seen that ability firsthand: he delivered several important goals in Jamaica’s 10–7 victory over Team USA last summer.
Bryden also enters Saturday’s contest with momentum after scoring five goals in Newport’s commanding 8–2 victory over New York. Although he will trade Newport red for Jamaican green this weekend, his familiarity with the Glen Farm field, the local horses and his Jamaican teammates could give the visitors a valuable advantage.
Shane Chin
Rounding out the lineup is one of Newport’s most familiar Jamaican competitors, Shane Chin. A member of the polo-playing Chin family and the eldest of the “Flying Chins,” Shane is an exceptional horseman who dedicates much of his time to breeding, managing and schooling polo ponies.
Chin currently plays from a 1-goal handicap and brings extensive leadership experience, having captained teams in Newport for the past 15 years. His knowledge of the local field, horses and competition makes him a steadying presence for the visiting side. Yet his talents are not limited to the polo field. While officially rated at 1 goal with a mallet in hand, Shane is said to play at 10 goals on the dance floor—a reputation that has earned him a fitting nickname and may make him equally dangerous at the après-polo celebration.
Together, Russell, Byles, Bryden and Chin form a well-balanced Jamaican team that blends veteran leadership with young attacking talent. Craigy brings composure and experience, Zack supplies anticipation and accuracy, Caleb adds speed and scoring power, and Shane provides horsemanship, leadership and an unmatched knowledge of Glen Farm.
Jamaica may be famous for its laid-back island rhythm, but there will be nothing relaxed about this team once the ball is thrown in. After last summer’s victory, the visitors return prepared to defend their momentum and add another memorable chapter to one of Newport Polo’s longest-running international rivalries.
Following the final chukker, players and guests are invited to continue the celebration at Dillon’s Patio Bar—where the competition may be over, but if Shane Chin is anywhere near the dance floor, the scouting report may still be in progress.