French rugby league system

The major national club competition in France is the Elite one championship, below this is the Elite two championship and a number of regional leagues. The teams in each competition will change each year depending on final standings and relegation / promotion.

There is no set structure for promotion and relegation. If a club wants to go up or down a level then they will consult the Fédération Française de Rugby à XIII who will make the decision.

French clubs can also apply to the Rugby Football League for a Super League franchise.

Hierarchy

Super League

Catalans Dragons are France's only representatives in the British Super League. They were awarded a place in Super League on a franchise basis, there is no automatic promotion and relegation between Super League and French domestic leagues.

Toulouse Olympique may join Super League subject to promotion from the Championship.

Championship

Toulouse Olympique is currently in the British Championship.

They first played at the Championship level in the 2009 season. This was part of a long-term strategy to secure a future Super League franchise (potentially from 2012). However, the club chose not to pursue a Super League licence at that time, and returned to the French system after the 2011 British season. They returned to the British league system in 2016, this time starting out in the third-tier League 1. Olympique earned promotion to the Championship at the first opportunity.

League 1

Currently no French teams compete in the British League 1, however Toulouse Olympique would compete in the division next season if they were to be relegated.

Elite One Championship

There are 10 French rugby league teams playing in the Elite One Championship, the top tier of rugby league in France above the Elite Two Championship.

Elite Two Championship

The Elite Two Championship is the second tier of rugby league in France below the Elite One Championship, but above the National Division East and West. There are nine teams playing in Elite 2 in 2008.

Elite 2 was created in 2007 and replaced National League One, divided two pools East and West, as the second tier. Elite 2 was intended to bridge the gap between the top division and the rest of the clubs.

National Division 1

The National Division is the third tier of French rugby league. It is normally divided into two equal divisions East and West. However, in 2008 it is a single pool of 11 teams

National Division 2

The National Division 2 is currently split into three zones.

Pyramid

Level

League(s)/Division(s)

N/A

British rugby league system
(Tiers 1–3)
Promotion via application to RFL

1

Elite One Championship
12 clubs – 1 relegations

2

Elite Two Championship
12 clubs – 1 promotions, 2 relegations

3

National Division 1
14 clubs – 2 promotions, 2 relegations

  • East
  • West

4

National Division 2
14 clubs – 2 promotions

  • Zone 1
  • Zone 2
  • Zone 3

French teams to play in the British RFL

See also

References
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