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| Lebanon national rugby league team | |
|---|---|
| Name | Lebanon |
| Nickname | Cedars |
| Governing body | Lebanese Rugby League Federation |
| Region | Europe |
| Coach | Brad Fittler |
| Captain | Mitchell Moses |
| Rlwc first | 2000 |
| Rlwc best | Quarterfinals (2017) |
Lebanon national rugby league team represents Lebanon in international Rugby league competitions. The team draws players from the Lebanon diaspora, primarily in Australia, and competes in tournaments such as the Rugby League World Cup, European Championship (rugby league), and regional test matches. The side is known for blending Australian-based professionals with domestic Lebanese players and has contributed to raising the profile of rugby league in the Middle East.
Lebanon's rugby league origins trace to community initiatives among Lebanese Australians in the 1990s, influenced by clubs in the New South Wales Rugby League and the National Rugby League. Early touring sides faced nations like Ireland national rugby league team, France national rugby league team, and Italy national rugby league team while participating in qualifiers for the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and later 2013 Rugby League World Cup qualification. The team's recognition grew after qualification for the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, followed by renewed success at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup where Lebanon reached the quarterfinals, defeating sides such as France national rugby league team in pool play. Lebanon's history includes participation in the European Nations Cup (rugby league), fixtures against Serbia national rugby league team and Russia national rugby league team, and involvement in development tours to New Zealand and England.
The team's emblem and nickname, the Cedars, reference the Cedar of Lebanon and national symbolism used in Lebanese heraldry present on the Flag of Lebanon. Playing colours traditionally combine red and white, echoing the national flag, with kit suppliers historically drawn from the Australian sporting market, including partnerships resembling those of clubs in the NRL and the Super League. Matchday identity incorporates the cedar emblem, national anthem performances of "Kulluna lil Watan", and collaborations with Lebanese cultural organisations such as diaspora clubs in Sydney and Melbourne.
Administration is overseen by the Lebanese Rugby League Federation, affiliated with the Rugby League International Federation and engaged with European Rugby League governance structures. The federation works alongside state governing bodies in New South Wales and Victoria to coordinate player eligibility, visas, and international fixtures. Governance issues have involved interactions with sports ministries in Beirut, compliance with international eligibility rules set by the International Rugby League and coordination with tournament organizers like the Rugby League World Cup Limited.
Squads typically feature players of Lebanese heritage from clubs across the National Rugby League, Super League, and domestic Lebanese competitions such as the Beirut Rugby League Championship. Notable international players linked with Lebanon selections include those with careers at Parramatta Eels, Wests Tigers, Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, and St Helens R.F.C.; some have also represented state teams like New South Wales Blues in the State of Origin series. Player pathways often move from junior clubs like South Sydney Rabbitohs Juniors and Balmain Tigers Juniors into professional setups, while domestic Lebanese talents develop through partnerships with academies in Sydney and exchange programs with England and France.
Lebanon debuted in world-level competition at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup and later qualified for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and 2021 Rugby League World Cup cycles. Their best World Cup performance came in 2017, reaching the quarterfinals against strong nations like Australia national rugby league team and England national rugby league team in tournament stages. Regionally, Lebanon has competed in the European Championship and Mediterranean fixtures versus sides such as Malta national rugby league team, Greece national rugby league team, and Italy national rugby league team, while participating in qualification matches against Ireland national rugby league team and Wales national rugby league team.
Coaching appointments have included high-profile figures from the NRL and Super League, bringing professional expertise from clubs like Penrith Panthers and Sydney Roosters. The coaching team commonly includes strength and conditioning staff with backgrounds in Australian Institute of Sport methodologies, physiotherapists familiar with protocols used by St George Illawarra Dragons, and tactical analysts experienced with video systems used by Wigan Warriors. Leadership structures integrate diaspora management in Sydney and operational staff in Beirut for logistics and match preparation.
Development efforts combine domestic facilities in Lebanon—training grounds in Beirut and community pitches across Mount Lebanon—with academy systems in Australian cities such as Sydney and Melbourne. Programs partner with educational institutions and clubs including local universities and junior clubs affiliated to NSW Rugby League to run talent identification, coaching clinics, and refereeing courses. Infrastructure projects have sought investment to upgrade stadiums hosting international fixtures to standards comparable with venues used by Hull FC and Gold Coast Titans, while development initiatives cooperate with NGOs and cultural organisations promoting sport among Lebanese youth.
Category:National rugby league teams Category:Rugby league in Lebanon