Nickname(s) The Phoenix Region Beirut | Location Lebanon Founded 2009 | |
 | ||
Full name Lebanese National Rugby Team Unions Lebanese Rugby Union Federation (LRUF) Emblem(s) Phoenix Emblem with Lebanese Flag Coloring | ||
The Lebanese National Rugby Union team the "Phoenix" represent Lebanon in international rugby union. They have yet to make their debut at the Rugby World Cup. Lebanon played their first test match against Jordan on 14 May 2010 in Dubai The Phoenix currently competes in the Asian Rugby Football Union's, Asian Rugby Championship in Division Three West. Despite winning this division more than once, Lebanon will be unable to progress to a higher division until they achieve World Rugby Associate level.
On 19 June 2014 the Phoenix defeated Pakistan in the semi-final of the Asian Rugby Football Union's, Asian Five Nation Division 3 West tournament in Lahore, Pakistan, 17 - 3 to book a place in the final to be played on Sunday 22 June 2014 against Uzbekistan in Lahore. Lebanon defeated Uzbekistan 20 - 19 to win the tournament.
On 14 April 2015 Lebanon hosted the 2015 Asian Rugby Championship division 3 West tournament in Jounieh, Lebanon. They defeated Jordan in the first round 71 - 3 and won against Iran 27 - 8 to secure their third consecutive Asian title.
In April 2016 Lebanon took part in the Asian Rugby Championship division 3 West tournament held in Doha, Qatar. On 19 April 2016, Lebanon beat Iran 34-12 and went on to face Qatar in the final. Although they led the majority of the match, being penalized down to 13 men gave Qatar an opportunity to take the lead. At the final whistle the score was 25-19 to Qatar. Lebanon will compete in the upcoming Asian Rugby Championship, hosted by Uzbekistan in Tashkent. This tournament will take place during the later half of March 2017.