Is NRL a big sport in France?

Question

I am just a bit disappointed to see such a small crowd turn up to watch the game in France. Its a small stadium and not even half full... sigh. If it is Australia we will be in full force... taking over the ANZ Stadium to watch our Super sportsmen playing. The France seems not to have a lot of fans like we do in Australia.

Additional Details

Thanks for all the answers. Am still learning.. as I don't grow up here. And just started watching RL this season.. so new to all.

Todd W, welcome you to provide feedback/answer but not words that provoke the rest of the fans. Seen a few of your responses... some make you sound like a little boy. I love the bunch of people in this RL site, they have been great support for me after the NRL season is over. Perhaps you don't have one to go to... Take care.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Rugby League is mainly followed in the South of France. This mornings game was played in Paris, where there aren't many followers. They were discussing this during the pre-match commentary, they also said that people often turn up late to that stadium.

It was pretty pathetic though. I don't see why when England were the host, why France got the advantage of a home country game. We aren't allowed to bring them back to Australia so they should of played in England too.

The team being so sh*t does come into it, when a team is just about guaranteed to lose, very few want to watch them play. I think we should go back to the Trinations.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

You are definitely always well informed... Cheers!

Answer 2

It wouldn't be that popular. League wouldn't be as popular in Australia if we didn't have some of the best players in the world which is probably why it isn't very popular in France, they're not that good. No one follows a sport where all the teams lack the skill and experience of players in another league. The most popular sports in a country are usually ones that the country is actually good at. Not much people would want to go to an international game and watch their country get flogged.

Answer 3

RL is normally played in the south of France, they should have not played this match in Paris.
The Frenchmen give many memories of their great play back in the fifties, they could match Australia in those days. The NRL has a responsibility to bring the"Frenchies" back into the international scene by possibly encouraging one or two teams to particpate in the English league so that they lift their international experience. Remember the French have lots of ability in Rugby, promote them to more International games, "La Viva France". By the way I am Australian with great memories of past French teams as I had trained with them.
Remember Puig Aubert, and the Litgtle French half in 1955, guys they were all over Australia with "Great Football".

Answer 4

The game is mainly played in the south of France so playing in paris was a joke. That they got home games was simply a ploy to hope to promote the game. In France the two winter sports are football and rugby. League doesn't get a mention.

Todd, league is a game for thugs? You have obviously never seen some of the Springbok games have you where players have been suspended for gouging and biting, on the international stage. Say what you like about league but don't put it down just because you don't like it.

Answer 5

Simon; Rugby League is not a major sport in France,unlike Soccer or Rugby-Union,but i hope they get better.Yes i was disappointed in there game and crowd,but over time it can only get better.The kids over there loved are players,hopefully they might follow the League.

Answer 6

NRL isn't a sport Simon. Rugby League is. The NRL is the Australian National Rugby League competition.

In the same fashion, you don't 'play' AFL, you play Australian Rules Football.

-- Todd, you're a deadsh!t. You Yawnion poofters are so convinced of your own superiority that your game is falling behind while you're busy patting yourselves on the back.

Answer 7

You're saying League is for thugs yet you follow Rugby Union?!
I saw a replay of a Rugby game where in the 20th minute, a player was red carded for standing to the side & kicking the opposition player in the balls. Now that's thug like!

Answer 8

Todd NRL is not for thugs!!!??? I tell you what... Union is for poofters!!!! Anyway Rugby League is followed mainly in South France. Playing in Paris was a joke. I agree with Bill P.

Answer 9

Super Sportsmen playing???.... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA More like Super GayLord stars!! France in RugbyUnion plays to full packed-houses there. Especially in club Rugby they play to packed-houses. They don't care about League. I know! I know a guy who used to play Harold Mathews (U-15's for the Roosters) with a cuz of mine, and had been playing Rugby in the French comp for 2 and a half seasons, b4 getting a better deal to play in the Italy one where he is still playing 4 a club outside of Rome - since '05.

Source(s):

Rugby League will never be a big as Union, and not even half or 3rd as big!! League is for thugs, and the administrators keep changing the rules & laws of the game to satisfy themselves. Otherwise ol' Uncle Murdoch will sack 'em!!!