The French Rugby League Federation (FFR XIII) officially inaugurated its new headquarters in Toulouse on Saturday, marking a symbolic step in its institutional development. Named the “Espace Georges Aillères” in tribute to a leading figure of rugby league in Toulouse, the building is located in the Purpan district.
Covering an area of 840 square metres, the new headquarters includes around ten offices, several meeting rooms and an auditorium with seating for approximately 100 people. Funded through the sale of the Federation’s former Paris headquarters, the facility is intended to serve as a central operational hub for the entire French rugby league community.
A press conference focused on 2026
Following the inauguration, Dominique Baloup, President of the FFR XIII, held a press conference in the auditorium of the new headquarters. He outlined the Federation’s main strategic directions for 2026, describing the year as a “turning point” for French rugby league.
Three major events were highlighted, which the Federation presents as key pillars for the future of the sport: a high-profile national fixture, a strong investment in youth development, and a benchmark international event for the women’s game.
Super XIII final in Paris: an unprecedented event
The highlight of the announcements was the Super XIII final, scheduled for Saturday 6 June 2026 at Stade Jean-Bouin in Paris. The match will be played as a curtain-raiser to the Super League fixture between the Catalans Dragons and Wigan, as part of the 30th anniversary of the Super League.
This will mark the return of a major elite domestic rugby league event to the French capital, a configuration not seen for several decades. According to the Federation, this exposure is intended to raise the profile of clubs, players and supporters, while offering the Parisian public the opportunity to discover or rediscover rugby league in a prestigious setting.
This desire to give French rugby league a stronger international dimension follows a dynamic already observed during previous European fixtures, such as the Rugby Championship match between York and Toulouse.
The increased visibility of the domestic championship also builds on the recent performances of French clubs on the competitive stage, including Toulouse’s semi-final victory against the Bradford Bulls, previously covered by Impact European.
European U19 Championship hosted in Font-Romeu
Another key event of the summer of 2026 will be the European Under-19 Championship, to be held from 10 to 18 July at the CREPS high-performance centre in Font-Romeu. France will welcome the elite of European youth rugby league in an environment dedicated to high-performance sport.
Presented as a strategic investment, the competition aims to identify and develop players expected to form the backbone of future national teams. The Federation underlined the importance of youth development and long-term elite structuring.
France vs England women: a benchmark international test
The FFR XIII also confirmed the organisation of a women’s international match between France and England, scheduled for 26 July 2026 in a region traditionally associated with rugby in France. The fixture will form part of France’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup, to be held in Oceania.
Facing one of the world’s leading nations, the French team will be tested at the highest level. The Federation highlighted the progress made in recent years in developing the women’s game, particularly through strengthened training structures.
This progress is also reflected in domestic competitions, as illustrated by the Stade Toulousain’s dominance in the Elite 1 women’s championship.
A clear ambition for French rugby league
In closing, Dominique Baloup reiterated that 2026 should be defined by increased visibility, youth development and international engagement. He also paid tribute to clubs, partners, local authorities, volunteers and Federation staff, whose involvement remains essential to the sport’s growth.
With the inauguration of its new Toulouse headquarters and the announcement of these major events, the French Rugby League Federation has signalled its intention to strengthen the long-term position of rugby league within the French sporting landscape.
©2025 – IMPACT EUROPEAN
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