Baroudeurs de Pia XIII League Placings : 2000-23

Salanque Méditerranée Pia XIII or SM Pia XIII are from the Pyrénées-Orientales region of southern France. It also is called Baroudeurs de Pia XIII which all sounds rather confusing. The club was formed in 1960 but it took until the 1990's to become a force in the game. By the year 2000, they were competing well in the Elite One league. 

From 2003 (no 2002 to refer to sorry) they were always near the top of the ladder, winning the league in 2006, 2007, 2012 and 2013. In the 2012-13 season, they also took the grand final as well for good measure. After these fine results, they announced that the club would be voluntarily leaving the top flight.  They would drop down to the bottom tier so they could remain within their means. 

Those means were now strong enough for a return to the top flight in French RL and a creditable fifth placing was achieved. There is still some kick in the donkey!