France Elite Season 1965-69

This is part of a series that charts the clubs that have played elite Rugby league in France in five year increments. We continue 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.  

To start at the beginning of the series, simply click on the following dates 1960-64.                                 

1964-65: Toulouse was the best side for the season. Catalan XIII and Villeneuve deserve honourable mention. Catalan took the league title, Marseilles the cup and Toulouse the grand final. Carcassone was consistent but trophyless.

1965-66: There was nothing to separate Carcassonne and Lézignan as the two strongest performing clubs. Carcassonne took the league and grand final but Lézignan the cup. 

1966-67: This was the only time in the 1960s where one side won the treble but Carcassonne pulled that off. St Gaudens and Limoux did well enough to be mentioned.

1967-68: Carcassonne again was the best team with no one going close with others sharing the points fairly evenly. That said, they only won the cup. Marseille prevailed in the league and Limoux the grand final. 

1968-69: Carcassonne's reign as the best team over the past three seasons ended here. The Catalan club was best by virtue of their cup and grand final victories. Limoux was the best in the league.

Summary: Carcassonne was clearly the most successful outfit over this period, with Catalan XIII next but some way behind. St Gaudens was third despite not winning any of the fifteen trophies on offer.

Point of interest: The Bordeaux club started in 1934 but achieved little in the way of success. They continued to 1978 when as far as I can ascertain they were disbanded. A shame but perhaps being so far west worked against them. 

For the following article in the series, please click the dates 1970-74.