Serbian Rugby League has had a difficult history; the sport was finally reborn in November 2001 following 40 years’ hiatus due to the banning of Rugby League by the Yugoslav dictatorship in the 1960s. In fact, the sport was first played in Serbia in 1953.

Serbia’s first international as a new entity came in October 2003. A 102-0 defeat to Lebanon wasn’t exactly the best start, but they lifted the Slavic Cup in 2006 and 2007 as well the European Championship B on three occasions (2007, 2010 and 2014/15) and the Balkans Cup once (2017).

Serbia also contested the 2009 European Cup, but finished sixth out six nations. The Serbs have made it to the World Cup Qualifiers on three occasions (2008, 2013 and 2017), but have failed three times to reach the actual tournament.

Serbia have been a full member of the RLEF since 2012 and have made huge, incredible strides off the field. Indeed, one of its major domestic players, Red Star Belgrade, are attempting to join the English League One.