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French Rugby League Federation has officially declared its intention to bid for the 2025

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11,401

The French Rugby League Federation has officially declared its intention to bid for the 2025 Rugby League World Cup, taking it back to the country that founded the tournament in 1954. It was last played in its entirety there in 1972.

Speaking in Paris, Président de la Fédération Française de Rugby à XIII, Luc Lacoste, commented: “After the 2024 Paris Olympics, we are preparing for the Rugby League World Cup in 2025 with a major bid that brings together the men’s, women’s, wheelchair and youth events.

“At the heart of this great project is a strong message, ‘sport for all’ which will be reflected, first and foremost, in the choice of host cities and regional metropolitan partners, stadiums, large and small, as well as affordable prices. We will lever the economic and tourist attractiveness of the country as well as a societal and environmental dimension.”

Lacoste added: “We intend to incorporate the past with the present for a permanent transmission of this heritage to the next generations. We have appointed Michel Wiener as Directeur Exécutif du Comité d’Organisation France 2025 who has 33 years’ experience as CEO with the La Poste group specialising in marketing and communication, and a wide knowledge of the sport sector.”

Also on the organising committee are Soisic Le Bourg, who has 18 years’ experience in sport marketing and ticketing; Robert Zarader, a business and communications director and member of the GIP board of France 2023; and Dominique Baloup, a school principal and former captain of the French Rugby League team.

The aims and objectives of the 2025 Rugby League World Cup bid are under the banner:

SPORT FOR EVERYONE

● Four competitions in one event and over a month. The project will simultaneously bring together the World Cups of men, women, wheelchair athletes and young people
● In total, the plan is to include 64 national teams with 16 in each competition representing the five continents and encompassing more than 80 matches
● Large and small stadiums, a pricing strategy allowing all audiences to attend the competitions: fans and non-fans, young people, families, works council employees, supporters and tourists from all over the world and not exclusively reserved for an elite audience
● A linked event that is part of that initiated for the Major International Sports Events organised in France in the coming years, using the infrastructures and volunteers gained
● Our project is clearly positioned “at the heart of lives”, emblematic of the UN Charter, Olympic Charter, France Charter, etc.
● Our event, partners and sponsors will be linked to a societal cause (environmental, inclusion, etc.), following a call for projects which are under the authority of an Ethics Committee created for the event
● Our project is designed to benefit the economy of the country and the territories that will host the competitions, highlighting the economy of tourism, local producers (local products, crafts, etc.) which, thanks to a digital and e-commerce platform associated with the ticket office will benefit from direct spin-offs
● All territories that want to can be associated with the event. The native territories of rugby league (Occitanie, Nouvelle Aquitaine, PACA, AURA) but also those in which this sport is likely to develop (in particular Pays de Loire, IDF) and all others via a process to Expression of Interest.
●Strict cost control by seeking win-win partnerships and rigorous management, innovative income policy with services associated with ticketing and in connection with the territories, the economic model of the project will be that of profitability with a low level of recourse to public funds.

France2025-Candidacy-Logo.jpg
 
Messages
11,401
16 nations, 5 continents, 4 world cups very interesting... looks like South Africa are back and Brazil looks likely to qualify providing this gets of the ground....
 

jim_57

Moderator
Staff member
Messages
4,360
Looks promising.

It’d be good to see some incentives to get more young French talent out there to English & Australian clubs in the next 4 years to help France compete. Pacifique Treize would be a good start, maybe some incentives for Super League & NRL clubs to sign/loan French juniors.

France Vs England must surely be a lock for the next 4 years as well, preferably 2-3 times a year. Super League only mid-year then a full test after the grand finals would be good.
 
Messages
11,401
Looks promising.

It’d be good to see some incentives to get more young French talent out there to English & Australian clubs in the next 4 years to help France compete. Pacifique Treize would be a good start, maybe some incentives for Super League & NRL clubs to sign/loan French juniors.

France Vs England must surely be a lock for the next 4 years as well, preferably 2-3 times a year. Super League only mid-year then a full test after the grand finals would be good.
Australia could always play France in New Calendonia..
 

latingringo101

Juniors
Messages
585
I'm looking forward to a RLWC in France. They have the infrastructure, finances and support to make it a successful world cup.
 
Messages
11,401
The future of international Rugby League lies in France, according to the leader of the global game.

International Rugby League (IRL) Chairman Troy Grant has described the development of the French game as a “strategic must” as he announced the French Federation’s formal bid for a Rugby League World Cup in France in 2025.

Grant, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, has spoken exclusively to League Express about his vision of “rebuilding France to help England and other northern hemisphere nations grow.”

The game’s leading figure also pledged to use his political connections within governments in France and the UK to push for support for the game at the highest levels.

He said, “I think this is great timing and a real shot in the arm that Rugby League needed, both in France and in the north and hopefully with the momentum from a brilliant RLWC21 in England we can finally restore the esteem in which International Rugby League was once held.”

The 51-year-old former politician said there was “great respect” in Australia for Rugby League in France and he expected strong support from down under for the World Cup in 2025, 71 years after the very first tournament took place in the country.

He added, “I know there is a strong respect for the French game in Australia, the fortunes of Catalans and Toulouse in the RFL competitions are followed closely, and with Australians often recruited into those teams there’s a great deal of interest there.

“Australian Rugby league fans are big lovers of the history of the game and the French national team and their contributions in International Rugby League history, known here as the Golden Age, have never been lost or forgotten. There’s real hope down under that France can again rise to that highly competitive level to again thrill us in clashes with the Kangaroos.”

The IRL Chairman added with a wry smile: “I think Aussies also like seeing England beaten, so if France can triumph more often over them that will also be well received.”

Grant joined the IRL board in February and one of the first items on his agenda was to push for a World Cup in France. He took advice from leading figures in the game before launching an official bid.

He said, “The news of FRXIII officially preparing a business case for the French Government to host the Rugby League World Cup has been extremely well received in Australia.

“The origin of the concept came from South Sydney trio Wayne Bennett, Blake Solly and Shane Richardson, who I met soon after coming onto the IRL Board. All three had experience in the Northern Hemisphere, from coaching to administration.

“Wayne emphasised that I needed to focus on rebuilding France to a competitive level, which would help England and other Northern Hemisphere nations grow. I saw that France was hosting the rugby union World Cup in 2023 and the Olympics in ‘24 and I thought a trifecta of world events would appeal.

“I then got to speak to FRXIII Coaching Director Trent Robinson and Wayne more during our time together in Operation Apollo (the group that brought the NRL competition back after Covid) and took Wayne with me to meet the French Consul-General, Anne Boillon. We made the pitch to her and received some positive feedback and then we started planning.

“The NRL helped me with resources and I made a pitch to the IRL Board just before I became Chairman to move away from our traditional approach to finding hosts for World Cups and to pursue France as a strategic must.

“They agreed and FRXIII President Luc Lacoste was approached to garner his interest. His enthusiasm was infectious and off we went. I’ve loved working with Luc and the Exploratory Committee – it’s my favourite meeting of the week.

“Luc has put together a fantastic high-calibre local organising committee and they’re now leading the charge with our full endorsement and support.

“I’m incredibly excited and hoping the French Government and all of France will embrace a Rugby League World Cup for France in 2025. The intent of the tournament that Luc has outlined fits perfectly into Rugby League vernacular, a game affordable and accessible for everyone. It’s perfect.

“A World Cup isn’t an event that will come and go, it will leave a legacy of investment, not only into the national and local economies but importantly into French Rugby League from junior playing level through to elite. That investment is a critical part of the IRL’s strategic plan and frankly is critical to the future of International Rugby League prosperity.”

 

Jim from Oz

Juniors
Messages
724
The future of international Rugby League lies in France, according to the leader of the global game.

International Rugby League (IRL) Chairman Troy Grant has described the development of the French game as a “strategic must” as he announced the French Federation’s formal bid for a Rugby League World Cup in France in 2025.

Grant, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, has spoken exclusively to League Express about his vision of “rebuilding France to help England and other northern hemisphere nations grow.”

The game’s leading figure also pledged to use his political connections within governments in France and the UK to push for support for the game at the highest levels.

He said, “I think this is great timing and a real shot in the arm that Rugby League needed, both in France and in the north and hopefully with the momentum from a brilliant RLWC21 in England we can finally restore the esteem in which International Rugby League was once held.”

The 51-year-old former politician said there was “great respect” in Australia for Rugby League in France and he expected strong support from down under for the World Cup in 2025, 71 years after the very first tournament took place in the country.

He added, “I know there is a strong respect for the French game in Australia, the fortunes of Catalans and Toulouse in the RFL competitions are followed closely, and with Australians often recruited into those teams there’s a great deal of interest there.

“Australian Rugby league fans are big lovers of the history of the game and the French national team and their contributions in International Rugby League history, known here as the Golden Age, have never been lost or forgotten. There’s real hope down under that France can again rise to that highly competitive level to again thrill us in clashes with the Kangaroos.”

The IRL Chairman added with a wry smile: “I think Aussies also like seeing England beaten, so if France can triumph more often over them that will also be well received.”

Grant joined the IRL board in February and one of the first items on his agenda was to push for a World Cup in France. He took advice from leading figures in the game before launching an official bid.

He said, “The news of FRXIII officially preparing a business case for the French Government to host the Rugby League World Cup has been extremely well received in Australia.

“The origin of the concept came from South Sydney trio Wayne Bennett, Blake Solly and Shane Richardson, who I met soon after coming onto the IRL Board. All three had experience in the Northern Hemisphere, from coaching to administration.

“Wayne emphasised that I needed to focus on rebuilding France to a competitive level, which would help England and other Northern Hemisphere nations grow. I saw that France was hosting the rugby union World Cup in 2023 and the Olympics in ‘24 and I thought a trifecta of world events would appeal.

“I then got to speak to FRXIII Coaching Director Trent Robinson and Wayne more during our time together in Operation Apollo (the group that brought the NRL competition back after Covid) and took Wayne with me to meet the French Consul-General, Anne Boillon. We made the pitch to her and received some positive feedback and then we started planning.

“The NRL helped me with resources and I made a pitch to the IRL Board just before I became Chairman to move away from our traditional approach to finding hosts for World Cups and to pursue France as a strategic must.

“They agreed and FRXIII President Luc Lacoste was approached to garner his interest. His enthusiasm was infectious and off we went. I’ve loved working with Luc and the Exploratory Committee – it’s my favourite meeting of the week.

“Luc has put together a fantastic high-calibre local organising committee and they’re now leading the charge with our full endorsement and support.

“I’m incredibly excited and hoping the French Government and all of France will embrace a Rugby League World Cup for France in 2025. The intent of the tournament that Luc has outlined fits perfectly into Rugby League vernacular, a game affordable and accessible for everyone. It’s perfect.

“A World Cup isn’t an event that will come and go, it will leave a legacy of investment, not only into the national and local economies but importantly into French Rugby League from junior playing level through to elite. That investment is a critical part of the IRL’s strategic plan and frankly is critical to the future of International Rugby League prosperity.”

Former deputy prime minister of Australia LOL
 

Jim from Oz

Juniors
Messages
724
Former deputy prime minister of Australia LOL
The future of international Rugby League lies in France, according to the leader of the global game.

International Rugby League (IRL) Chairman Troy Grant has described the development of the French game as a “strategic must” as he announced the French Federation’s formal bid for a Rugby League World Cup in France in 2025.

Grant, a former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia, has spoken exclusively to League Express about his vision of “rebuilding France to help England and other northern hemisphere nations grow.”

The game’s leading figure also pledged to use his political connections within governments in France and the UK to push for support for the game at the highest levels.

He said, “I think this is great timing and a real shot in the arm that Rugby League needed, both in France and in the north and hopefully with the momentum from a brilliant RLWC21 in England we can finally restore the esteem in which International Rugby League was once held.”

The 51-year-old former politician said there was “great respect” in Australia for Rugby League in France and he expected strong support from down under for the World Cup in 2025, 71 years after the very first tournament took place in the country.

He added, “I know there is a strong respect for the French game in Australia, the fortunes of Catalans and Toulouse in the RFL competitions are followed closely, and with Australians often recruited into those teams there’s a great deal of interest there.

“Australian Rugby league fans are big lovers of the history of the game and the French national team and their contributions in International Rugby League history, known here as the Golden Age, have never been lost or forgotten. There’s real hope down under that France can again rise to that highly competitive level to again thrill us in clashes with the Kangaroos.”

The IRL Chairman added with a wry smile: “I think Aussies also like seeing England beaten, so if France can triumph more often over them that will also be well received.”

Grant joined the IRL board in February and one of the first items on his agenda was to push for a World Cup in France. He took advice from leading figures in the game before launching an official bid.

He said, “The news of FRXIII officially preparing a business case for the French Government to host the Rugby League World Cup has been extremely well received in Australia.

“The origin of the concept came from South Sydney trio Wayne Bennett, Blake Solly and Shane Richardson, who I met soon after coming onto the IRL Board. All three had experience in the Northern Hemisphere, from coaching to administration.

“Wayne emphasised that I needed to focus on rebuilding France to a competitive level, which would help England and other Northern Hemisphere nations grow. I saw that France was hosting the rugby union World Cup in 2023 and the Olympics in ‘24 and I thought a trifecta of world events would appeal.

“I then got to speak to FRXIII Coaching Director Trent Robinson and Wayne more during our time together in Operation Apollo (the group that brought the NRL competition back after Covid) and took Wayne with me to meet the French Consul-General, Anne Boillon. We made the pitch to her and received some positive feedback and then we started planning.

“The NRL helped me with resources and I made a pitch to the IRL Board just before I became Chairman to move away from our traditional approach to finding hosts for World Cups and to pursue France as a strategic must.

“They agreed and FRXIII President Luc Lacoste was approached to garner his interest. His enthusiasm was infectious and off we went. I’ve loved working with Luc and the Exploratory Committee – it’s my favourite meeting of the week.

“Luc has put together a fantastic high-calibre local organising committee and they’re now leading the charge with our full endorsement and support.

“I’m incredibly excited and hoping the French Government and all of France will embrace a Rugby League World Cup for France in 2025. The intent of the tournament that Luc has outlined fits perfectly into Rugby League vernacular, a game affordable and accessible for everyone. It’s perfect.

“A World Cup isn’t an event that will come and go, it will leave a legacy of investment, not only into the national and local economies but importantly into French Rugby League from junior playing level through to elite. That investment is a critical part of the IRL’s strategic plan and frankly is critical to the future of International Rugby League prosperity.”

Apart from that little editing error, this is incredibly positive
 

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