‘It’s in our blood’: Lebanon, Ukraine and Syria rugby league teams fly the flag despite horrors of war at home

Lebanon, Ukraine, and Syria rugby league teams have continued to compete internationally despite the wars affecting their home countries. Last Sunday in Sydney, Lebanon defeated France in a World Cup qualifier at CommBank Stadium in a dramatic finish, while Syria played friendlies at Bankstown Bulls' ground, and Ukraine had recently contested a European Championship match in Belgrade. Players from all three nations have spoken of their desire to provide hope and pride to their war-torn communities, with Lebanon prop Jalal Bazzaz noting the team had not played together since the 2022 World Cup in England.