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World Service,3 mins

Banned, Boomed, Bust and Reborn: The story of French Rugby League

Not by the Playbook

Available for over a year

One of British sport's oldest competitions could have it's first non-British winner as the French side Catalan Dragons play Warrington Wolves in the Rugby League Challenge Cup final at Wembley. For any club, reaching the final is a great achievement - but for the Dragons, given their history, it's a miracle. They flirted with relegation last season, were almost forced out of existence 12 years ago and play a sport that was banned by the Nazi puppet Government in Vichy during World War Two. Even today, rugby league is not part of the curriculum in French schools, despite a campaign from former PE Teacher Robert Fassolette for it's inclusion. (Image: Catalan Dragons, Credit: Getty Images)

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