It comes after Jamaica's historic qualification for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup in England, becoming the first-ever Caribbean nation to earn a place at the sport's showpiece event.

The country qualified as the winners of the Americas Championship in November 2018, beating hosts the United States 16-10 in the final in Jacksonville.

The JRLA anticipates that the involvement of Robinson and Simmons will massively raise the profile of the Reggae Warriors among the heritage community.

Leeds-born Robinson won virtually every honour in rugby, including being awarded an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to the sport in the 2008 New Year's Honours.

He was a key member of the England squad that claimed the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup, which famously saw Jonny Wilkinson kick a last-gasp drop goal in extra-time to beat hosts Australia in the final in Sydney.

After beginning his career in rugby league, where he spent eight years at Wigan Warriors and winning 12 Great Britain caps, Robinson made the switch to rugby union in 2000 and joined Sale Sharks before going on to score 28 tries in 51 appearances for England.

Simmons, meanwhile, is the founder of Rugby AM, which is billed as "TV that showcases the personalities and the grassroots of rugby league, broadcasting nationally on FreeSportsUK".

"The JRLA Board is delighted to have Jason and Alex on board directing operations in the UK," Romeo Monteith, the JRLA's director of rugby and the Jamaican national team head coach, said.

"Jason will no doubt inspire players in Jamaica and galvanise support for us in the UK and with both the guys' input, we hope to leave a lasting legacy from our historic qualification."

Robinson added: "We have an opportunity to make a difference, we have a duty to our heritage to make this work for every young Jamaican.

"This is an exciting journey for everyone, the achievement thus far led by Romeo has been unbelievable.

"Now the real difference is how we all come together to ensure we achieve the long-term vision.

"We have to inspire the next generation and create something for young people to identify with, to capture the hearts and minds of every Jamaican, whether based on the island or here in the UK.

"We want to bring the carnival, colour and our culture to the World Cup 2021."

Simmons said he is "immensely proud" to take up the role alongside Robinson, who he describes as "such a hero to so many".

"This project for me is more than rugby league; it is about identity, legacy and inspiring the next generation of Jamaicans," he added.

"Thanks to the tireless work of Romeo, fellow coach Jermaine Coleman, the players and the Board, this is a tremendous opportunity.

"With a minimum of three group games to be broadcast on the BBC, we have a real chance to establish rugby league as a sport the diaspora can be truly proud of.

"Jason and I will be heading up the commercial strategy and sponsorship - we are planning to bring a number of high-profile businesses, brands and ambassadors to Jamaican rugby league."

Already, a number of new, high-profile Super League players have committed to the Reggae Warriors, supplementing the work that is going on to develop the sport on the island.

Their identities, along with some ground-breaking partnerships, are set to be revealed in the near future.