France Elite Seasons 1960-64

It was in 1962 when the military players of XIII had met an Anglo-Saxon team. Source: La Dépêche.

This is part of a series that starts here and charts the clubs that have played elite Rugby league in France in five year increments. We start with the early 1960s, a time when the game was much stronger in France. The chart has points I have allocated according to where teams finished in the League, Finals and Cup competitions. Any feedback is appreciated in the comments section below.  

1959-60: Carcassonne was the leading team (just) ahead of a group including Roanne, Albi, Villeneuve and Lézignan. The honours were well spread. Albi won the league, Lézignan the cup and Roanne the grand final. 

1960-61: Lézignan was the best ahead of Carcassonne and Roanne. Roanne won the league, Carcassonne the cup and Lézignan the grand final. Again, a nice spread. 

1961-62: Albi took the top spot by a whisker from Roanne. Albi took the league and grand final, with Roanne winning the cup. 

1962-63: Carcassonne came back for this season and was the most successful. St Gaudens and Lézignan were the closest. Carcassonne won the league and cup double but missed out on the grand final which was secured by Lézignan.

1963-64: Villeneuve-sur-Lot grabbed the most points this season, with only Toulouse being close. St Gaudens won the league but the other two trophies went to Villeneuve. 

Summary: The strongest side was Carcassonne with 153 points. It wasn't decisive as others were very close behind. It's good that honours are shared around, something less common in sport today where money often decides who has the best squad.

Point of interest: Battaillon de Joinville was apparently a military unit of the French army. It allowed athletes to play their sport while doing military service but has ceased operation. The picture at the top features them. As to when the Rugby league side ended I'm unsure. Clarification on that anyone? 

For the next part, simply click on the dates 1965-69.