Elite 1 (rugby league)
Elite 1 is the top level rugby league competition in France, sanctioned by the French Rugby League Federation. The season runs from September to April, which is in contrast to the majority of other major domestic rugby league competitions worldwide. The clubs play each other home and away then they enter into a play-off series culminating with a Grand Final. The competition is the continuation and first division of the French Rugby League Championship, which has been in existence since 1934.
| Founded | 2002 |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Number of teams | 9 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | Elite 2 |
| Domestic cup(s) | Lord Derby Cup |
| Current champions | XIII de Limouxin (2022-2023) |
| Most championships | AS Carcassonne (12) |
| TV partners | viàOccitanie, Sport en France |
| Website | site |
| Current: Elite One Championship 2023–2024 | |
The league is generally regarded as the third most important domestic championship in the world, behind Australia's National Rugby League and the United Kingdom's Super League, and ahead of the NZRL National Competition, PNGNRL, Balkan Super League and Rhino Cup.