Nicknamed the Pukpuks (Tok Pisin for 'crocodile'), they played their first international in 1966, defeating Vanuatu 47-3. Papua New Guinea have so far not qualified for a Rugby World Cup. They enter the Oceania qualifying tournaments for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, but did not qualify.
Papua New Guinea have been playing international rugby union since the 1960s, having made their debut in 1966 against New Hebrides. Papua New Guinea would win their debut match, defeating New Hebrides 47 points to three. Fixtures were also held against New Caledonia and Wallis & Futuna that year. A number of games were played in 1969 as well. Papua New Guinea played nations such as Fiji, the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, though they defeated the latter two opponents, Papua New Guinea lost to Fiji.
Papua New Guinea entered a qualifying tournament for the 1999 Rugby World Cup in Wales. Papua New Guinea competed in Round 1 of the Oceania qualifying tournament. Although they defeated Tahiti, they lost 22-19 against the Cook Islands. They finished second in the final standings.
They played in qualifying tournaments for the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia, playing in Round 1b of the Oceania tournament. Papua New Guinea defeated both the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to advance through to Round 3. In Round 3 Papua New Guinea faced the Cook Islands to advance to Round 4. In the final round, for repechage qualification, Papua New Guinea were defeated by Tonga.
