The Catalan Dragons' stunning 2018 Wembley Challenge Cup victory came against a backdrop of well over half a century of both triumph and turbulence in French rugby league. Re-emerging from the iniquitous ban under the Vichy government, le rugby a treize was rebuilt from scratch after World War II - so successfully that the Tricolores were recognized as unofficial world champions after their dazzling, ground-breaking tour of Australia, and were at the forefront of international innovation, including the World Cup. Together with the acclaimed 'The Forbidden Game', which explored the story of the Vichy ban, 'The Struggle and the Daring' makes up the first-ever complete history of French rugby league. Based on extensive research and interviews, the book highlights the many great players France has produced and analyses key events as the game emerged from the chaos of post-Liberation France, continued to grapple with the threat posed by rugby union and, after a long decline, returned to the mainstream of professional rugby league.

About the Author
Mike Rylance is a leading writer on French rugby league. The author of four books on the sport, including the official history of Wakefield Trinity, where his father notably played, he has written widely for British and French publications and contribute regular columns to Forty20 and League Express.


Book Information
ISBN 9781999333904
Author Mike Rylance
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd
Publisher Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 27mm