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
Ezra Cup to the sport because they can make a living out of it,” says Gracida. In the country where it originated, though, polo remains a much diminished sport. "Today Polo requires committed patrons, more than anything else to create the infrastructure which will encourage the younger generations to play Polo," says Keshav Bangur. "I hope by successfully hosting the Ezra World Cup 2011 we will be able to draw more patrons towards this sport," he says. "Our vision is to keep the heritage of Calcutta Polo Club alive and encourage youngsters and Polo enthusiasts to take up the sport by making