Catalans Dragons’ appearance at a maiden Grand Final and the promotion of Toulouse to Super League has raised the profile of French rugby league to a new high.
Here the PA news agency looks at the rise of the game across the Channel and its implications.
How has the emergence of two major powers come about?
How strong is rugby league in France?
The south of France is comparable to the north of England, with rugby league clubs in most towns and cities. In France they are often the heart and soul of the communities and the clubs benefit enormously from local benefactors, whose sponsorship has long been a source of revenue for overseas players, most notably from Australia and New Zealand. The playing standards and attendances are no higher than the Championship and, in many cases, are on a par with League 1. It’s a massive step up from the French domestic competition to Super League.
What are the prospects of a third French club joining Super League one day?
Does it bode well for the future of the game in France?
Interest in rugby league has never been as high. L’Equipe and Le Figaro are two famous national newspapers who previously largely ignored it, regarding it as a minority sport, but have provided extensive coverage of the exploits of both the Catalans and Toulouse. Television exposure has also raised the profile of the game, crucially at a time when France are finalising their bid to host the 2025 Rugby League World Cup. This last weekend’s events should help produce a bumper crowd in Perpignan for the Test match against England on Saturday week.
What are the knock-on effects for the French national team and the international game?
