Rugby union was first introduced into Lebanon from France, both by the French themselves, and returning Lebanese. It was also introduced into many other parts of the Middle East, by the British military in the mid 20th Century. The Dubai Sevens has also helped stir up some interest in the sport in Arabic-speaking nations. Rugby union is quite popular in neighbouring Israel, but the hostility between the two nations means that there is no real sporting contact between them.
The main rugby union teams are the Beirut Phoenicians, who mainly play visiting warships.[1] formed in 1995 and the Jamhour - Black Lions formed in 2003. And as of 2011, GrayWolves, previously an exclusively rugby league team, formed a rugby union team.
Rugby league in Lebanon has a much shorter history than rugby union, but they have achieved some moderate success by creating a team made up of Lebanese Australians. The original Lebanese rugby league organisation was based in Sydney, and they have managed to recruit one or two students.
Starting 2011-2012, the first Lebanese Rugby Championship will be contested among the three main teams.
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