RC Carpentras XIIII League Placings : 2000-21

Racing Club de Carpentras XIII arrived on the scene in 1938, competing as an amateur club. Just two seasons later war broke out and the Vichy government banned rugby league. The club was forced to change its name and play rugby union.  

It returned to the sport of its choice and enjoyed success on the field. Fast forward to the 21st century and the club was in the top flight for the 2000, 2002 and for the 2003 seasons. For 2006 it was back but came last. The next five seasons it fared better but by 2012, it was no longer part of the elite competition. 

Lyon Villeurbanne XIII League Placings : 2000-21

The club is from the city of Lyon, Rhône-Alpes in France. It was formed in 1934, making it one of the foundation clubs in France. Unfortunately, it's no longer in the elite or first division of Rugby league. Like other French clubs, it was banned from playing RL by the pro-Nazi Vichy government and forced to play Rugby Union.

After the war, the club had its most successful period. That didn't last and its fortunes since the turn of the century are shown below. It collected four wooden spoons within a six year period and last graced the top division in France in the 2009-10 season. 

Nothing Changes In Gaga Land

RL has a great product but at every other level.... The World Cup was delayed a year due to the Corona virus. Understandable. Provided the pandemic is sufficiently under control, there is no reason that the event shouldn't go ahead in 2021. In a normal sport at least, but in RL's gaga land things are rarely that simple.

Is a 14 day quarantine period for NRL players returning home which slightly disrupts their preseason training is sufficient grounds to postpone the biggest event in RL? Apparently so. The pro clubs in the sport are the biggest liability to expanding the game. While clubs have the whip hand, self-interest will prevail.

Would people still go to a WC without certain major nations participating? I know it wouldn't dampen my interest in the tournament one jot. I would actually enjoy a WC without Australia and possibly NZ as well. RL has enough nations willing to play, so it can be held. It would be more interesting and less one sided.

If we compare how FIFA handled the early WC tournaments. The first three tournaments had various top nations refusing to play. They were barely worth holding, but FIFA went ahead with them anyway.  FIFA has never cancelled a WC due to the refusal of certain nations to participate. Everyone got the message. 

The IRL body could ahead anyway and show the RL community it can still put on a tournament even if some of the big names stay away. I just don't think the IRL has the confidence to do so. It seems to be subservient to Australia and its navel gazing, myopic attitude. I don't call RL gaga land without reason.