Sean sent me yesterday a kind reminder... Rugby League in France is 75 years old today as "Federation Française de Rugby à XIII" ("FFR13" French Rugby League) was created on April 6th 1934.
Frankly, I am not going to discuss about the tumultuous history of Rugby League in France... born in the 30s when French Rugby Union was shaken by a major crisis, almost killed in the 40s when banned by pro-fascist Vichy government, re-established as a major sporting power in the 50s culminating with the organisation of the first Rugby League World Cup in France in 1954, and pretty much marginalized in modern times (less that 10,000 licenced players in France.. vs more than 300,000 for Rugby Union).
English speaking readers could find some related stories here at rl1908 (French RL - Still waiting an apology) or on Wikipedia (History of French Rugby League). French speaking readers will find more on French Wikipedia here (Rugby à XIII), or simply by watching the video ("Rugby à XIII : Envers et contre tous"... 5€ VOD... good value for money !) advertised in the right column. If you're found of historical papers, I also encourage you to google for Robert Fassolette's papers (such as 1, 2, 3 or 4). Robert is both a RL coach and RL historian... and a passionate advocate for his favorite sport.
Enough said ! I am not going to discuss... my point is to give a small tribute to French Rugby League pioneers...
Above are the "Galia Boys" in Leeds (according to Robert "Sherlock" Fassolette... ), March 1934 (larger pic here). A team of 17 players - all banned from French R.U. because of "professionalism" - set up by Jean Galia, invited in England by Rugby Football League in an attempt to promote Rugby League in France on the "ruins" of French Rugby Union... a successful attempt indeed, as those guys with hardly no experience in RL showed impressive skills during their 15 days tour... 6 played , 5 lost vs Leeds (17-25), Wigan (27-30), RFL selection in Warrington (16-32), London Highfields (17-19) and Salford (13-35), 1 won vs Hull (26-23)
Jean Galia, here with R.U. Equipe de France..., was possibly the best forward in French rugby in the late 20s / early 30s. Galia, who played R.U. for Quillan, Perpignan and Villeneuve, earned 20 caps with Equipe de France between 1927 and 1931 (cf this earlier post feat. Galia vs NSW Waratahs). He was banned - with many other players - from French Rugby Union in 1933. He quickly became the most active sponsor of Rugby League in France, and first suggested a World Cup of RL as early as 1935 ! Galia is featured on the opulent 1930s Courtney Goodwill Trophy along with Dally Messenger (Australia), Albert Baskerville (New Zealand) and Harold Wagstaff (Great Britain) (credit to Sean for the tip!)
Let me also pay a tribute to Max Rousié, fast and powerful scrum half, who also earned a few caps @ 15 before becoming one of the most famous Rugby League players. He's here - as Roanne captain - shaking hands with Lancashire captain in Paris (Stade Buffalo). Rousié is also below posing with Sylvain Bès, another fine rugger who is interviewed - as an old gentleman - in the video I mentionned before...
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