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

Posted on by That's the Way It Was

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 Results problems with the availability of grounds.
1951 Third Test Australia Vs France. France beats Australia to win the three Test Series.
France win 3rd Test and the 1951 Test series 2 -1..

1954 World Cup Final – France V Great Britain. Great Britain beats France in the first World Cup final.

Acknowledgements:

  • Mike Rylance is the author of a number of books including ‘The Forbidden Game’ and ‘The Struggle & The Daring: The Remaking of French Rugby League’.
  • The Rugby League Project