Super League owner sets sights on Paris match as key anniversary approaches

Catalans Dragons are looking to take a Super League game back to Paris in 2026, Bernard Guasch has confirmed.

The Dragons have always been open to the idea of taking games further afield and played out a clash with Wigan Warriors at the Nou Camp in 2019 in what was a landmark occasion for the spot. However, it seems the Perpignan-based outfit have now set their sights on playing in the French capital in the season after next.

Guasch has confirmed that talks are ongoing about a 2026 clash taking part in the northern city, with the Stade Jean-Bouin being spoken of as a potential venue. The stadium is currently home to rugby union outfit Stade Francais, while Paris Saint-Germain Feminine and FC Versailles also play at the venue.

As such, it is not a ground synonymous with rugby league, but as the Dragons attempt to grow the sport in the country, they will be hoping to attract a sizeable crowd at the stadium, which boasts a capacity of just under 20,000.

“We were in Paris last week to meet partners, communities and visit Jean-Bouin,” Guasch told L’Independant. “It would be a great event to play a Super League match in Paris, and the file needs to be finalized. The Super League is following the project closely.”

Of course, Parisians are no strangers to rugby league, with Paris Saint-Germain being amongst the founding members of Super League in 1996. Paris actually hosted the first ever Super League game against Sheffield Eagles in front of 17,873 fans, a game they won 30-24.

However, Michael Mazare’s side won just two more games in their opening season and after another difficult campaign in 1997, the club was dissolved. The game in 2026 would mark 30 years since the first ever Super League game was played in the city. It would also mark 20 years of Catalans in Super League.

It comes as Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves prepare to go head to head in Las Vegas next year, as part of rugby league’s takeover of sin city.