Sport in France runner-up on three occasions, most recently in 2011. France hosted the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Rugby league ("rugby à treize" or "jeu à treize") has been played in France since the 1930s, and is most popular, like rugby union, in the south of the country. The sport arguably achieved its height in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s when the French national team made it to World Cup finals and won test series against Australia, Great Britain and New Zealand. A France-based team, the Catalans Dragons, participates in the European Super League tournament, which has helped boost the sport's profile
Sport in Ireland 200 clubs throughout Ireland. Ireland competes in tennis internationally in the Davis Cup (men's) and the Fed Cup (ladies). Badminton in Ireland is run by the BUI. Irish Road Bowling is an ancient sport. It is centred in Ireland (particularly Cork and Armagh) but is also played in the United States and the United Kingdom. Similar sports are played in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy and since the 1960s there have been international championships held with athletes participating from these countries. Rowing is an Olympic Sport which is regulated by Rowing Ireland. During the winter there are Head of the