France Elite Season 2005-09

Limoux - Gerard Barrau 2009

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 late 2000s. 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. 

2004-05: St Estève-Catalan won everything this season in an impressive display. It was their last year in full strength as they were admitted into the UK Super League in the 2006 season. Toulouse, who had also sought a place missed out but performed well in the French season. 

2005-06: With St Estève-Catalan spreading its resources wider, Pia took its chance to excel with a clean sweep of the titles. Toulouse was the only club that got close.  

2006-07: Pia's rampant 05-06 was repeated this season with another treble. Lézignan stayed close, a sign of things to come.

2007-08: The sign turned to reality when Lézignan won both league and grand final. Limoux took the cup for a refreshing change at the top. 

2008-09: Limoux edged Lézignan in 08-09 with the league plus grand final and cup final appearances. Lézignan secured the grand final for a second season with Carcassonne the cup winners. 

Summary: SM Pia XIII was the strongest side around for the five years here evaluated. Limoux and Lézignan were both no doubt pleased with their efforts. With St Estève-Catalan not the force they were on the local scene, it allowed other sides to make their mark. 

Point of interest: Toulouse fell out of the top flight in the 2009-10 season after some years of fine performances. Would they be back? Of course, as the series will reveal. 

For the following article in the series, please click the dates 2010-14.