At the end of this year, sixteen nations will contest the men’s World Cup. Most casual fans would know about Australia, New Zealand and England; but over the coming weeks, we’ll introduce you to some of the other teams.

While Fiji may be better known for its rugby union teams, especially in sevens competition, there is a rich history of rugby league in the nation stretching back to the 1960s.

Winger Joe Levula played 17 rugby Tests for Fiji between 1951 and 1961. He switched to rugby league in 1961 to play for Rochdale Hornets.

Another Fijian rugby international, Apisai Toga switched codes in 1964 to play for Rochdale, and later played more than sixty games for St George between 1968 and 1972.

Rugby league became officially recognised in Fiji in 1992. The following year, winger Noa Nadruku joined Canberra and was an instant sensation, causing club managers and coaches to look to Fiji for future stars.

In 1996, Fiji played their first Test against Australia at the height of the Super League war, but it was not sanctioned by the Rugby League International Federation. The Australian Rugby League does recognise this as an official Test match.

In 2000, Fiji contested the World Cup for the first time, captained by Brisbane utility back Lote Tuqiri. In 2008 they made it to the semi-finals of the tournament, but went down 52-0 to Australia.

In 2013, Fiji again made the semi-finals of the World Cup, but were hammered 64-0 by Australia. They again came undone against the Kangaroos in the semi-finals of the 2017 tournament.

Fiji have been drawn in a pool featuring Australia, Scotland and Italy. They would fancy their chances of progressing to at least the quarter-finals. Their most recent Test match was a 24-14 loss to Papua New Guinea in June. Their squad is expected to feature NRL forwards Tui Kamikamica and Viliame Kikau, as well as potent backs Maika Sivo, Kevin Naiqama, Waqa Blake and Mikaele Ravalawa.