Rugby league in Wales can trace its roots back to 1908, when they played the travelling New Zealand "All Golds" and squeezed to a 9-8 victory in their first ever fixture.

That match, as well as further fixtures with the "All Golds" and a later game against England, cemented the sport in Wales.

There is no bigger rugby union obsessed country in the world than Wales, but the appeal of being paid to play grew quickly and rugby league really took off as a result.

The national side profited from this and the sport enjoyed a golden age during the 1920s and 1930s as Wales again beat New Zealand and also won the European Championship three years running in 1936, 1937 and 1938.

Wales' biggest ever win came against the USA in 1994, when they travelled to America and crushed their opponents 92-4.

They have also played in three World Cups 1975, 1995 and 2000 and managed to get to the semi-finals in the latter two.

Wales' leading points-scorer is former Leeds Rhinos great Iestyn Harris, who has netted 142, including 12 tries, since his debut in 1996.

In recent years the Wales side have suffered a severe dip in interest and prestige. They are no longer deemed to be a fully fledged national side and they have not qualified for a World Cup since 2000.