Despite the challenges of war, the national team remains a beacon of pride as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers in France.

Vitalii Puchkov, a key player, faced a personal tragedy just weeks ago when a rocket struck his home in Kharkiv, killing his mother. Yet, on Tuesday night, he will take the field as a right-center against seasoned Super League players in the qualifiers. Under the leadership of captain Oleksandr Skorbach, who has relocated his family to Kyiv for safety, the team is set to face a formidable French squad.

“Kharkiv is under constant attack, making it too dangerous to stay there, so it’s hard not to be affected by it,” Skorbach shared through an interpreter. He noted the sacrifices of teammates who are currently serving in the military and expressed gratitude for their service. “We’ve lost one player whose entire family fell victim to a rocket strike. We play for them and carry their spirit with us.”

Only the winners of the European qualifying tournament for the 2026 World Cup will advance to the final qualifying stage, where they will encounter teams like the Cook Islands, South Africa, and Jamaica—a task many believe will not fall to Ukraine. If they don’t secure a win against France, they will then face either Wales or Serbia before returning home to an environment few can truly comprehend.

“We have to present the best image of Ukraine,” said Skorbach, a dedicated rugby player since age 12. “It’s not just about playing well; we want to win. The French may underestimate us, but we’re ready to show our strength and spirit.”

The journey to this point has been remarkable. Following Russia’s invasion in March 2022, rugby league in Ukraine came to a standstill. While the game is slowly returning, matches often take place away from the public eye, with teams organizing single-day tournaments in central locations. Among the squad, several military personnel have been granted leave to participate, and each player had to fund their own travel for this 10-day trip.

“One of our biggest challenges is players being unable to leave the frontline,” explained Ukraine’s coach, Dan Beardshaw. “The days of regular club training are gone. Before the war, we had ten clubs with 29 teams; now we’re down to six, but we still manage to run junior programs and broadcast Super League games.”

Remarkably, despite the war’s impact, Ukraine Rugby League is nearing the criteria to retain full membership status in International Rugby League, expanding into new areas like tag and wheelchair rugby—an unwritten narrative that speaks to the resilience of the sport. With around 250,000 refugees now in the UK, there’s potential for future growth in the national team.

This squad is a mix of seasoned league players, sevens talent, rugby union converts, and Australian players who have just recently joined the team. They are set against a French lineup of Super League athletes, but Ukraine has long been accustomed to overcoming the odds.

“It’s a win-win situation,” Beardshaw remarked, his accent blending East Hull with his New South Wales experience from living in Australia for over a decade. “This is a beautiful and exciting challenge. Our players have a high skill level and are physically ready. We’ve given them a structure, but they’ll play in a style that reflects their Ukrainian heritage.”

Since travel to a war zone was not an option, Beardshaw has managed the team’s preparations remotely. “I’ve watched a lot of games—the nines, sevens, and the Ukrainian Super League—but I’ve only had four field sessions with them. We initially had 31 players in two five-day camps, and I monitored those sessions closely. Many players understand English, especially those who participated in an exchange program to the UK a few years ago, and we have an excellent translator. But Google Translate has also been crucial for communication.”

The arduous journey to France would deter most teams. The players traveled by bus from Ukraine to the Czech Republic last week while the Australian contingent flew to Prague. After a stunning 84-0 victory over the Czech Republic, the team faced a grueling 20-hour bus ride to Carcassonne, with others opting to fly from Munich to Toulouse. Conversations during training often circle back to the war as they stay updated on news from home, grappling with the reality of bombs falling close to their loved ones. After covering a distance of at least 3,000 kilometers, the players may not feel completely fresh heading into their match on Tuesday night.

Ukraine’s recent performance is promising, and they are expected to give either Wales or Serbia a tough challenge. Just a year ago, they secured victories in both tests during their tour in Greece, and they could very well surprise many with an upset this week.

“Some players have been in the league for years, while others are new to the scene,” Beardshaw noted. “Our captain has dedicated his life to the sport. Yaroslav Davydov, our full-back, is a sevens player with only three league games under his belt, but he’s a remarkable talent.”

Beardshaw, a former teacher and Scotland Student international, has his own compelling story. After coaching in Australia and dealing with family health issues, he transitioned to the New South Wales Police Academy. About a year ago, he offered to lend his support to Ukraine rugby in any way possible.

He appreciates the respect shown by his players, who, despite their harrowing tales of survival and loss, value his journey. “The Ukrainian culture is incredibly respectful. They listen patiently, and when I shared my experiences, they called it ‘the Ukrainian chapter in the book of your life.'”

Two nations facing the ravages of war were set to partake in international rugby league in France, but Lebanon’s plans were scrapped. While conflicting reasons were given, few could expect a nation enduring daily bombings to prioritize arranging a rugby league tour.

Lebanon’s loss of full-member status comes as they face challenges in reviving their domestic program, threatening to push them further from the global stage during a time of potential talent growth with numerous NRL and Super League players.

Conversely, the European qualifiers feature Wales, which boasts only two Super League regulars, and a Serbian squad strengthened by Australian converts, such as former Samoa winger David Nofoaluma. While Serbia has remained active in the sport, they have not yet made significant strides. Meanwhile, Ukraine is determined to spring a surprise.

“We bear a heavy responsibility in representing Ukraine and our families,” Skorbach stated, preparing to return to his job managing a sports complex next week. “We may appear strong on the outside, but internally, I often feel weak and helpless.”

The path seems largely clear for France to potentially win the tournament and secure a spot in Australia for the 2026 World Cup. However, whatever the outcome, the real victors will undoubtedly be Ukraine.