Rugby League was first established in France back in 1933, despite the dominate force of rugby union already in the country.

The national side are often nicknamed ‘les Chanticleers’, after the cockerel or rooster – the emblem of the team – or as ‘les Tricolores’.

France hosted its first ever game of Rugby League at the Pershing de Paris Stadium in 1933 as Australia beat England 63-13 in front of 20,000 fans.

France recorded their first win in international rugby league with an 18-11 win over Wales in 1935, but the sport was later banned by the French Government in 1941.

However, once the ban was lifted the sport flourished in France, with the French side of 1951 said to be rated as the best international team of all time. The sides of 1951 and 1955 that toured Australia are still considered two of the strongest sides ever to tour in that country.

In 1978, France did the double over Australia with a 13-10 win at Carcassonne followed by an 11-10 victory in Toulouse. This was in fact Australia’s last failed attempt to win an international series or competition until 2005 – a great achievement for France. They then earned their first victory on English soil for 23 years when they inflicted a surprise 25-18 defeat on Great Britain in 1990.

In 2006, Catalans Dragons became the first French based Super League team, and although at the time it caused some debate, they are now considered a welcome part of the division.

There are 25,000 registered Rugby League players in France, but due to the salaries available in Rugby Union, it is not as big as its rival code. Domestically, there are 120 clubs in France with the main competition, Elite 1, played between May and October. The French also have their own popular cup competition known as The Lord Derby Cup, which involves teams from every division.

Road to the World Cup

France, along with Australia, England (previously known as Great Britain), New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, were given automatic entry into the 2008 World Cup due to being the original five that entered the tournament between 1954 and 1992.

France will face Scotland and Fiji in Pool 2, with the winner of the group facing the winner of Pool 3 in a playoff to find out who takes the final semi final spot.

World Cup history

France are one of only three teams to have appeared in every tournament since the Rugby League World Cup was first established in 1954. Despite never winning the competition, it was France who donated the original World Cup trophy.

France hosted the first Rugby League World Cup in 1954, and reached the final at the Parc des Princes in Paris, losing 16-12 to Great Britain. They also hosted the tournament in 1972, with Australia and Great Britain playing out a 10-10 draw in the Final in Lyon. France finished runner up for the second time in the 1968 tournament, this time losing 20-2 against Australia in Sydney.

In the 2000 tournament, France featured in Pool 3 alongside Papua New Guinea, South Africa and Tonga, and claimed second spot in the group.

France started the tournament with a narrow 23-20 defeat at the hands of the eventual Pool 3 winners, Papua New Guinea, in Paris. But they soon bounced back with a 28-8 victory over Tonga in Carcassonne. France secured their passage into the knock out stages with a 56-6 win over South Africa in Albi. But the dream ended there after a 54-6 defeat against New Zealand at The Jungle, Castleford.

Head Coach

John Monie is currently the coach of the French national side, taking over from Gilles Dumas in 2006 to lead France into the 2008 World Cup in Australia.

The Australian-born coach had spells in England with Wigan Warriors (twice) and London Broncos, and also coached NRL sides Paramatta Eels and Auckland Warriors (now New Zealand Warriors). Monie enjoyed huge success at Wigan and was named coach of the year for four seasons running between 1990 and 1993.

Monie will have French duo Daniel Divet and Thierry Dumaine on board as his coaching assistants. Divet played for the national side between 1987 and 1995, while Dumaine has been head of the youth team since 2002.

Players to watch
Captain Jerome Guisset is a powerful prop/second row and an important part of the French pack, winning 38 caps for his country so far. Guisset currently plays for French-based Super League side Catalans Dragons, where he played a key role to help them reach the Challenge Cup Final in 2007.

The French forward began his career with AS Saint Estève before moving to NRL side Canberra Raiders as a 16-year-old centre. He played five times for the Australian side before moving into the front row. Guisset then moved to England where he spent six seasons with Warrington Wolves. But after his contract was not renewed he moved to Rugby Union side CA Brive. In 2005, Guisset was snapped up by Wigan Warriors, where he made 25 appearances, to help cover their prop injury crisis and was one of the most consistent performers in the side that year. Guisset then moved on to Catalans Dragons.

Hooker/scrum half Julien Rinaldi currently plays for Super League outfit Harlequins and is considered to be a key member of the Quins offence. His position of choice is scrum half, but his ability to fill in at hooker has been shown time and again.

Rinaldi is a key member of the French squad winning 35 caps for his country, and was part of their squad in the 2000 World Cup. In 2007, he also captained his country in their post season internationals.

He began his career with his hometown club Villeneuve Leopards before moving to Union Treiziste Catalans (UTC). During his time in France, Rinaldi became a French record breaker by winning six Lord Derby cup medals. He gained experience on loan at Wakefield Trinity Wildcats, and in 2005, was snapped up by Catalans Dragons in their first season in Super League.