Latin Heat adds South American twist to rugby league

A rugby team with South American roots is promising to bring some salsa to the game.

The Latin Heat. (Photo: Facebook)

With players who trace their roots to 24 Latin American countries, the Latin Heat is all about breaking down barriers and changing perceptions.

While football has been the number one team sport in Central and South America, rugby league is less well known.

But for a group of young men based in Brisbane and Sydney, playing the 13-man game has become such a burning passion.

The side will contest friendly internationals in Sydney against South Africa and Portugal in September.

One of those young men is Luis Phon, who says the game is a natural fit:

"It doesn't matter if you're from Peru, Chile, Brazil, we are the Latin community," Phon told SBS News.

"We are pioneers, part of something big going forward. It doesn't matter about your heritage.

"The biggest thing about us is that we've bonded like brothers."