Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
NRL investment offer could help revive rugby league in France
The NRL is considering investing in Super League, the professional rugby league competition in England and France.
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson says a partnership could help revive the sport in France.
France was once a leading rugby league nation, but its standing has fallen.
Two French clubs play in Super League, yet their presence has not brought strong results for the national team.
Robinson believes NRL support could help French rugby league develop and gain a stronger place in the sport.
France begins its World Cup campaign against Samoa on Friday in Sydney.
Trent Robinson says the NRL’s proposed investment in Super League could help revive rugby league in France.
The offer is being considered by English club owners and Super League’s two French clubs, Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique.
Some British clubs are reluctant to give the NRL greater power.
Robinson is assisting France’s national team as it prepares to open its Rugby League World Cup campaign against Samoa.
France was ranked 11th in the world and was due to host this year’s World Cup before its government withdrew as host.
- Who
- The NRL has proposed investing in Super League. Trent Robinson says the move could benefit French rugby league.
- What
- The proposed investment could support the sport’s development in France.
- When
- Talks were nearing a key stage as of October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The proposal concerns Super League, which includes French clubs Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique.
- Why
- Robinson says the NRL sees the value of French rugby league and that investment could help its development.
Supporters of NRL investment, including Trent Robinson
Some British Super League clubs
Influence
Supporters of NRL investment, including Trent Robinson
Robinson supports a partnership that could give French rugby league a place at the table.
Some British Super League clubs
Some British clubs are reluctant to cede power to the NRL.
French development
Supporters of NRL investment, including Trent Robinson
Robinson says NRL investment could help revive the sport in France.
Some British Super League clubs
The article does not state the British clubs’ view on the effect of investment on French rugby league.
France was one of rugby league’s leading powers.
Trent Robinson guided the Sydney Roosters to the fourth NRL premiership victory of his tenure.
Talks over the NRL’s proposed Super League investment were nearing a key stage.
France was scheduled to begin its Rugby League World Cup campaign against Samoa in Sydney.
- French Super League clubs
- Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique
- France’s world ranking
- 11th
- France’s World Cup opponent
- Samoa
- NRL salary cap
- Around $12 million
- Super League salary cap
- Approaching $4 million
What people are saying
I think the NRL will have a world vision of rugby league, and I know they see the value of French rugby league and the importance of it
There's a respect that is growing in France for rugby league from when I first went 24 years ago
I think it'd be great for the NRL to expand and open up French rugby league and help the development pathways
Sources
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