Rugby league only arrived in France in 1934 but within a few years, it was considered a top nation internationally. It was shamefully banned by the pro-Nazi Vichy government with all assets confiscated. No recompense was paid but RL in France was again prospering in the 1950's anyway.
Rugby Union arrived in France around the 1870's. It was supposed to be amateur but in due course, the French RU flouted that which led to there being standoffs between them and other nations, international competition suffering. In the 1950's tensions gradually eased and more matches for the Tricolores eventuated.
In the 1960's both codes were playing a similar number of internationals but the French RL was now suffering through internal strife. That meant that the XIII code was losing ground to RU. As RU pursued more internationals, mainly through a consistent Five Nations Championship, RL largely neglected the international scene apart from World Cups.
Three years into the 2020's the contrast in the number of internationals played has become stark. Northern Hemisphere RL needs to get its international act together. Now that France struggles to compete against England yet other NH nations are some way below France, public interest is low in one sided teat matches. That means there is no business case for international matches for a sport already cash strapped.
Union is blue, league red. The 2020's cover four years only.
Win percentages are somewhat closer than the number of matches played. The RU side of things is fairly consistent apart from a good start to the 2020's.
Others in the series are as follows. Simply click on the country name to go there: Australia, England, New Zealand.
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