Thirty years after being launched in the French capital, Super League returned to Paris with colour, passion and a festival atmosphere. The challenge now is ensuring it becomes the beginning of something bigger rather than another one-off occasion.

IT may have taken three decades, but thanks to the ingenuity and ambition of Catalans Dragons, Super League returned to Paris and reminded everyone of its potential on one of sport’s grandest stages.

Paris was awash with colour and energy. Wigan supporters travelled in impressive numbers, while fans of the three French teams participating at Stade Jean-Bouin brought the passion, culture and vibrancy of southern France to the heart of the city.

Paris is often viewed as an outpost for rugby league, making the significance of the event impossible to overlook. It represented a major moment not only for the Catalans Dragons and French rugby league, but also for the sport’s wider ambitions in France.

As L’Indépendant journalist Bruno Onteniente explained: “Having the game here is huge for French rugby league. You see so many people from different sports here, and we showed them that we can bring 5,000 fans from England and almost 8,000 fans from the south of France together to celebrate rugby league and show the capital what our sport can do.

“It is also fantastic to have so many businesses here supporting the club and the events organised throughout the city. Rugby league fans were able to watch Super League matches in bars and cafés across Paris on Thursday and Friday night, helping to create a really positive atmosphere around the city. The timing was perfect too, with the French Open finals and the Paris 10km race taking place during the same weekend.”

The celebrations began on Friday as both teams headed to Stade Jean-Bouin for their captain’s run before guests boarded a péniche close to the Eiffel Tower. The vessel set sail downstream, passing landmarks including the Statue of Liberty replica, the Eiffel Tower itself, Place de la Concorde, the Louvre and the recently restored Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Guests were welcomed aboard by Catalans staff, who handed out traditional white chapeaux. As they descended below deck for the opening addresses, they passed both the Challenge Cup – won by Wigan just a week earlier – and the Super League trophy.

The atmosphere on board set the tone for the weekend. Wigan chief executive Kris Radlinski delivered his opening remarks in French, while Nigel Wood reflected on his role in helping admit the Catalans Dragons into Super League in 2005. Also in attendance were several dignitaries, including the Mayor of Perpignan, alongside a host of partners from southern France, including representatives from local hotels, wineries, golf courses and Guasch Viandes, the meat-producing company owned by Catalans president Bernard Guasch.

Following the formal welcome, guests were treated to traditional Catalan musicians below deck, although many gravitated upstairs to enjoy the Parisian skyline and a jazz band that proved particularly popular with former England head coach Shaun Wane and Wigan legend Martin Offiah.

The wine and beer flowed freely, while an endless stream of traditional food was served, from charcuterie boards and paella to fresh salads. Eventually, the crème brûlée arrived – and kept arriving – much to my delight.

As the sun began to set over the capital, the Eiffel Tower emerged once more in full view, illuminated against the darkening Parisian sky. On the hour, a spectacular light display transformed the landmark into a cascade of sparkling lights, prompting a rush for mobile phones as guests attempted to capture the moment.

As the boat reached its final destination, both bands having thoroughly entertained those on board, there was a clear sense of satisfaction among the Catalans staff. Christophe Levy of the Dragons reflected on the occasion, saying: “This is one of the best events we have ever held as a club. It is hugely important for us to celebrate the Catalans Dragons’ 20th season and the 30th anniversary of Super League here in the French capital, where the competition was launched in 1996.”

Judging by the smiles as guests disembarked and made their way back to their hotels, few would have disagreed.

Game day saw supporters of the three FRench clubs and match officials, gather at the Trocadéro for photographs with the Eiffel Tower providing a spectacular backdrop. Across the road from Stade Jean-Bouin, the women’s singles final at Roland Garros was taking place, with many supporters taking the opportunity to browse the merchandise stalls around the famous venue. Some fortunate fans had secured tickets and witnessed Mirra Andreeva claim her first title on the Parisian clay.

Outside the home of Stade Français, the atmosphere built steadily throughout the afternoon. Traditional Catalan dancers and musicians entertained supporters before they made their way inside for an afternoon of rugby league.

The French Elite 1 Grand Final between Carcassonne and Pia provided a reminder of rugby league’s rich heritage in the south of France. Four players were sent to the sin bin as tempers occasionally flared, but there was also plenty of attacking flair on display as both teams reached the 30-point mark. Ultimately, it was the boot of former Catalans Dragon Theo Fages that proved decisive, sparking jubilant celebrations as underdogs Pia secured their first championship title in 13 years.

That was merely the amuse-bouche.

The main event saw Wigan produce a stunning performance, while young half-back Jack Farrimond, in particular, caught the eye of executives from Stade Français and several leading figures from French rugby union as the Warriors delivered a ruthless display and running out convincing 40-16 winners against the hosts, Catalans Dragons.

For one weekend at least, Super League returned to Paris and reminded everyone of its place within the French sporting landscape.

The challenge now is ensuring this is not remembered as a one-off spectacle.

Rugby league has often found itself celebrating milestones without fully capitalising on them. Yet this felt different. The crowds were strong, the atmosphere vibrant and the engagement from sponsors, civic leaders and supporters demonstrated that there is both appetite and opportunity for the sport beyond its traditional heartlands.

With Catalans Dragons set to undertake a major redevelopment of Stade Gilbert Brutus over the next 18 months, there is a genuine opportunity to bring top flight rugby league back to the capital. Whether through a fixture against Toulouse Olympique, a showcase event or another Parisian festival of rugby league, the foundations have been laid.

For a sport constantly searching for growth opportunities, Paris offers something few locations can: global recognition, sporting prestige and a stage unlike any other in France.

The hope now must be that it does not take another 30 years to come back.

First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 522 (July 2026)