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Portugal
The Portugal national rugby union team, nicknamed Os Lobos (The Wolves), play in the Rugby Europe Championship and the World Rugby Nations Cup. They’ve also featured twice at the Rugby World Cup.
Portugal News
International
Interview
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Uruguay turn to former Rugby World Cup coach to lead them into new era
International
Opinion
USA XV player ratings vs Argentina XV | rugby union hybrid friendlies 2026
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Eddie Jones on the ‘fantastic opportunity’ Rugby World Cup 2027 presents
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USA XV captain highlights promising trend after gritty win over Argentina XV
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World Ranking
Portugal are currently 15th in the World Rugby Rankings. Their highest ever ranking was 13th in February 2024.
Ranking Over Time
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2003
2015
2026
Portugal Matches
Sat 18 Jul, 2026
Fri 6 Nov, 2026
Fri 20 Nov, 2026
Portugal Rugby Team Players
Portugal Forwards
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Portugal Backs
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Portugal Tournaments
Portugal Rugby
The history of the Portuguese rugby team dates back to 1935, when the team played in its first international fixture. However, following some early defeats against Spain, the team only played intermittently until the 1960s.
The 60s was a landmark decade for the Portuguese rugby team, who notched up their first win on the international stage in 1966. Their results in the following decade were mixed, but they did achieve a statement victory against Italy in 1973.
By the close of the decade, Portugal had become an established side, and they won five games in a row between 1979 and 1981. They followed this with seven wins in a row between 1984 and 1985. In spite of this, Portugal were not invited to take part in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.
The fortunes of the Portugal rugby team were much more mixed in the 1990s. Although they notched several landmark victories in the decade, they failed to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in 1991, 1995 and 1999.
Following some success in the early 2000s, including a European Nations Cup title, Portugal finally managed to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in 2007. They lost each of their matches at the tournament, but notably stopped Italy getting a bonus point and scored a try against the All Blacks. They also came within a single try of beating Romania.
Unfortunately, the 2010s were much leaner for Portugal, who lost several players after their Rugby World Cup campaign. Thankfully though, the team has seen a reverse in fortunes since the 2020s.
Notably, the team qualified for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. At the tournament, they drew 18-18 with Georgia and pulled off a shock upset against Fiji, winning 24-23. They’ve also qualified for the 2027 edition of the tournament and will take part in the newly formed World Rugby Nations Cup in 2026 and beyond. They started the same year by winning the Rugby Europe Championship for the second time.
Portugal now regularly competes for honours in the Rugby Europe Championship and the team has shown its worth on the world stage at the Rugby World Cup. See how the team continues to progress with RugbyPass.
FAQs
When was the Portugal rugby team founded?
The Portugal rugby team was founded in 1935. The team’s first international fixture was against Spain in Lisbon. The Spanish side ran out 6-5 winners.
What is the Portugal rugby team’s biggest win?
The Portuguese rugby team posted their biggest win in 2019. They defeated the Czech Republic 93-0 in Caldas da Rainha.
What is the Portugal rugby team’s biggest defeat?
Portugal suffered their biggest-ever defeat in 2025, when they were beaten 7-106 by Ireland in Algés.
Have Portugal ever appeared at the Rugby World Cup?
Yes, Portugal have appeared at two Rugby World Cups. They took part in both the 2007 and 2023 tournaments, but did not progress past the pool stage on either occasion .
Who is Portugal's record appearance maker?
Both Gonçalo Uva and Vasco Uva made 101 appearances for Portugal in their distinguished careers. Interestingly, the two are brothers!
Who has scored the most tries for Portugal?
Rodrigo Marta has scored the most tries for Portugal. He still plays for his country and will look to add to his tally in the coming years.
Who has scored the most points for Portugal?
Samuel Marques has scored the most points for Portugal, with 300+. He still regularly represents his country and will be looking to stretch his lead on the competition.
