The Philippines national rugby league team (nicknamed the Tamaraws) represent the Philippines in international rugby league football matches. They were established in 2011. In their short history the Tamaraws have been relatively successful, being repeated Asian Cup winners and regularly participating in the Cabramatta International 9s rugby league tournament.

History

The Philippines National Rugby League (PNRL) was established in 2011 with a view of expanding rugby league further into Asia. The PNRL oversees the running of the national team, in 2011 it was announced that the Philippines would be playing their first game of rugby league at the 2012 at the Cabramatta International Nines, while also being involved in other organized international rugby league tournaments in the Asia-Pacific region. The Philippines have twice been involved in the Cabramatta International 9s rugby league tournament, in 2012 they defeated Burwood-North Ryde 22-18 to take the Bowl Trophy. In 2013 they selected 3 teams to take part in the tournament. and in 2014 four teams: the first side, two development sides, and an under 20s side. In 2012 the Philippines won over Thailand at the 2012 Rugby League Asian Cup. The match was the first rugby league international played in Asia. They entered the Emerging Nations World Championship in 2018 participating in the third edition of the tournament hosted in Australia. Arwin Marcus was named head coach for the tournament.

Coaches

Current squad

Squad Selected for the July 2023 Test Match vs South Africa Rhinos on the Gold Coast

1. Isaac Rosario
2. Ivan Lynch
3. Gerald Ubaldo
4. Thomas Cartwright
5. Richard Mante
6. Tyrone O'Leary
7. Marc Russell (c)
8. Dylan Jones (c)
9. Tyrone Tootell
10. Ryan Jones
11. Ian Russell
12. Nelson Russell
13. AJ Morrison
14. Gerald Reyes
15. Jeromy Cairns
16. Raffy Zapia
17. Jordan Jones
18. Jeff Vaughn

Competitive record

Overall

Emerging Nations World Championship

Asian Cup

The Philippines made their international rugby league debut in Bangkok on October 21, 2012, with a match against Thailand, who were also making their international debut. Aided by a host of Australian-based players, Philippines won the match 86-0 in the first Rugby League Asian Cup.

Results

IRL Rankings