Brad Fittler has been named as the head coach of the Lebanon rugby league team ©RILF

The Lebanon Rugby League Federation have announced the appointment of Brad Fittler as the head coach of the national team.

Fittler is a two-time winner of the Rugby League World Cup with Australia and boasts experience of captaining his national side.

The 45-year-old also has experience of coaching at representative and National Rugby League (NRL) level, having previously led the City Origin side as well as the Sydney Roosters.

Lebanon qualified for the 2017 World Cup, being held in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, by winning the Middle East-Africa play-off against South Africa in 2015.

They will be in Group A at the tournament alongside defending champions Australia, England and France.

“The opportunity to guide a developing nation to this year's Rugby League World Cup was one that I'm eager to take up," Fittler said.

“I also look forward to going to Lebanon to provide knowledge to assist them further develop their well-established local championships,” Fittler said.

“Lebanon’s draw is the toughest possible – France, England and Australia have over 300 years of history, against Lebanon’s 15.

“However, I know the Lebanese are clever, hardworking, courageous and industrious, and will no doubt be up to any challenges, as they have proven in rebuilding their nation and in the positive contribution their diaspora has made throughout the world – with no better example than in Australia.

Defending champions Australia will face Lebanon in the group stage ©Getty Images
Defending champions Australia will face Lebanon in the group stage ©Getty Images

"The thing about history is that there are moments which can turn it in certain directions.

“This is our opportunity to be part of history and to continue making a social impact on Lebanon’s civil society through rugby league.”

The top three teams from Groups A and B will progress to the quarter finals.

Only the top ranked sides in C and D will earn a place in the last eight.

New Zealand, Samoa, Scotland and Tonga will compete in Group B, while Papua New Guinea, Wales and Ireland meet in C.

Fiji, Italy and United States will contest Group D.

The tournament will take place from October 26 to December 2.

Fittler will head to Lebanon between July 2017 and March 2018 to experience rugby league in the country, including meeting the federation’s stakeholders and assisting technical pathways.