Rugby League: That’s The Way It Was

Episode 4: The History of Rugby League in France (Part 1).

If someone told you that France once dominated international rugby league, you would probably laugh.

But for more than a decade after World War II, France did dominate international rugby league. But there were some dark forces at play, which attacked the foundations of the game – eventually leading to a massive decline.

Can Rugby League be restored to its former glory in France?

Mike Rylance has written some fantastic books on the history of Rugby League in France, including “The Forbidden Game” and “The Struggle and The Daring” and he joins Rugby League: That’s The Way It Was” to help answer some of these questions.

1934/35 French Championship

Club	Played	Pts
Villeneuve	18	49
Bordeaux	18	42
Lyon-Villeurbanne	16	40
Roanne	16	40
Pau	16	34
XIII Catalan	17	33
Albi	17	26
Paris	16	25
Cote’ Basque	15	21
Beziers’	13	15

* 3 points awarded for a win – 2 for a draw – 1 point for a loss
* Some clubs were unable to fulfil their fixture list because of problems with the availability of grounds.