THE president of the French Rugby League Federation wants Catalans Dragons’ summer event in Paris to be a “real showcase” for the domestic game too.
Catalans are hosting a Super League match against Wigan Warriors at Stade Jean Bouin on Saturday, June 6.
The special event, which marks both the 30-year anniversary of Super League’s opening match in the city and 20 years of Catalans’ involvement in the competition, was organised by the participating clubs alongside RL Commercial.
But the French Federation have now also got on board, with the final of the Super XIII domestic league to be played as a curtain-raiser.
The past four finals, including Albi’s triumph over Carcassonne last May, have been held in Narbonne, with each attracting more than 5,000 supporters.
But Dominique Baloup, the FFRXIII president, said in a press conference at their new headquarters in Toulouse that the Paris collaboration would bring fresh eyes to the competition.
“Never, in the recent history of our sport in France, had such a spotlight been offered at a domestic event,” said Baloup.
“It’s very good for the Super XIII, whose level and commitment we want to enhance. It’s very good for our clubs, which deserve to be seen, recognised and supported.
“It’s very good for our supporters, and very good finally for the Parisian public, who will discover or rediscover Rugby League in a spectacular and unifying setting.
“The ambition is clear – to make this final a great popular meeting, a Rugby League festival, and a real showcase of what we are, which is a committed, spectacular and collective sport.”
In the same speech, Baloup also confirmed that France and England will play a women’s international on Sunday, July 26, at a venue to be determined, ahead of the autumn World Cup, for which both have qualified.
Meanwhile, Catalans are helping to get fans to Paris by chartering a special high-speed train.
The service will leave Perpignan at 6am on the day of the match, with a return journey on Sunday, June 7 from Gare de Lyon in the capital at 11am.
First-class tickets cost €265 with second-class €145.