Portugal's men's rugby union team - nicknamed Os Lobos (the wolves) - have played international rugby since 1935, when they played - and lost - their first match to Iberian rivals Spain. It took until 1966 for Os Lobos to beat the Spaniards, when they eventually won 9-3.
Os Lobos have only qualified for 2 Rugby World Cups in their history: their first appearance was in 2007, and in 2022 they qualified for the 2023 tournament. They may have lost all 4 of their pool matches in 2007, but it was still a historic achievement for a nation with a rather unheralded rugby history, and their qualification for the 2023 Rugby World Cup provides an opportunity to improve their record on the biggest stage. In regional competitions they have been slightly more successful: they have won the European Nations Cup and World Rugby Nations Cup once each.
