WHEN it comes to rugby union, France’s famous wine-producing city of Bordeaux is toasting another European Champions Cup triumph. By beating Leinster, a side full to the brim of Ireland internationals, 41-19 in Bilbao in May, Union Bordeaux Bègles completed a clean sweep of the continent’s major trophies for the country. That wasn’t the case when rugby league was established in the wake of France being expelled from international rugby union due to allegations of professionalism. French rugby league chiefs were keen to boost the coffers after the seizure of their assets during the hostilities, and Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand all arrived for the autumn tournament. First published in Rugby League World magazine, Issue 522 (July 2026)