The World Cup co-hosts where rugby league is a national obsession
Summary
Rugby league is very popular in Papua New Guinea, where it is a national passion and a symbol of unity amid tribal divisions. Papua New Guinea is co-hosting the Rugby League World Cup with Australia and New Zealand, and many fans are deeply passionate about the sport, sometimes leading to very loud and intense crowds.Key Facts
- Rugby league is Papua New Guinea’s national sport and brings people together despite many languages and tribal conflicts.
- The Papua New Guinea national team is called the Kumuls.
- Papua New Guinea is co-hosting the Rugby League World Cup with Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
- Fans are extremely enthusiastic, creating loud crowds that can make it hard for players to hear each other.
- Rugby league came to Papua New Guinea in the 1930s, brought by Australian miners.
- Many children play rugby league using makeshift balls from containers or other objects when actual balls are not available.
- Rugby league matches have sometimes seen crowd trouble, including incidents requiring police to use tear gas in the past.
- The sport is important culturally and socially, with high participation and viewership across the country.
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