RedVHeartbeat
SGI NSW Cup
1951, Paul Barrière, the president of French Rugby League at the time, raised the idea of a tournament to determine the best Rugby League nation. It took a further two years before the International Rugby League board accepted Barrière's proposal. The Rugby League World Cup was born. A year later in November, 1954 the first tournament was hosted by Barrière's home nation, with Britain, Australia and New Zealand rounding out the four team event. Britain spoiled France's party downing them 16–12 at the Parc des Princes in Paris in front of 30,000 fans. France then donated the trophy, which later became known as the Paul Barrière Trophy to the IRL. The WC has been played for the same trophy ever since. Three nations have won the tournament; Australia 11 times, Great Britain 3, and New Zealand 1. Surprisingly the French are winless.

Paul Barriere,
the father of the
RL World Cup

Paul Barriere,
the father of the
RL World Cup
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