FRANCE are set to tour the southern hemisphere next autumn, as part of closer ties being developed between the national federation and the NRL.
During the World Cup, FFRXIII president Dominique Baloup met with Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V’landys and NRL leaders.
V’landys says France is “high on our agenda” as he looks to invest in the international game, including separate, protracted negotiations with British leaders over a partnership which could bring involvement in Super League.
The state of Les Blues was exposed during the World Cup in Australia, with both the men’s and women’s sides losing all of their matches, and five of those six defeats coming by margins of 48 points or more.
The exception was the men losing their final match to Lebanon in golden-point extra time, and that has been touted as a possible fixture next year when the team return Down Under.
Cook Islands, Fiji and Papua New Guinea are other potential opponents for matches which could be played in concurrence with the Pacific Championships.
The International Rugby League are making France a priority nation, and chair Troy Grant said: “They will be travelling to the southern hemisphere again to play a series of bilateral Test matches, which will be supported by the French government, by sponsors and also the NRL.
“Announcements on those arrangements will be coming in 2027.”
Sydney Roosters coach Trent Robinson, who is director of the national team, was also part of recent discussions over NRL investment in the French game.
The French federation said that V’landys is keen to see both Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique remain in Super League, and is also interested in the prospects of the sport at domestic level.
“The vision presented to us regarding the evolution of the Super League, its stabilisation around 15 clubs, the place of two French clubs and London (Broncos), as well as the development of its media resources, deserves our full attention,” said Baloup.
“What interests me particularly is the economic dimension of this perspective and what it could make possible beyond professional rugby alone.
“If we manage to build a more attractive, better publicised and economically stronger (Super XIII) competition, we must also think about ways to make the whole sport benefit from this dynamic.
“France has a history, a federal organisation, clubs, a championship and a capacity for development that are real assets. We have our place in this international ambition.
“Our rapprochement with Australia does not mean dependence or renunciation of our identity. On the contrary, it reflects our desire to build partnerships with those who can allow us to go further.”
