The interaction of a wave with a rubblemound breakwater results in a complex flow field which is both nonlinear and turbulent, particularly within a region close to the surface of the structure. Numerical models describing internal flow in a rubblemound breakwater are becoming increasingly important, particularly as the influence of scale effects on internal flow in physical hydraulic models are becoming understood as important. A number of numerical models to predict the internal breakwater flow kinematics have been produced in the past two decades. This paper provides a review of the state-of-the-art of numerical modelling of wave interaction with rubblemound breakwaters. Details of the theoretical development and the resulting numerical solution techniques are presented. Methods for incorporating secondary effects such as two-phase (air–water) flow, inertia, and unbalanced boundary conditions are discussed. Limitations of the models resulting from the validity of the assumptions made in order to effect a numerical solution are discussed. Key words: breakwaters, internal flow, porous media flow, numerical modelling, rubblemound breakwaters.