Forbidden

The history of rugby league is littered with dirty tricks to stunt its growth and keep it penned in its heartlands. However in some cases, the establishment attempted to destroy it and the worst example was in France during the Second World War. Find and read the excellent book "The Forbidden Game" by Mike Rylance to get the full story.

This year the Catalans Dragons won Rugby League's oldest and perhaps most prestigious trophy, the Challenge Cup. Bien joué, mes amis, bien joué.


Forbidden

In the backrooms
and the corridors of Vichy
whispering in traitorous ears,
the sly smiles,
the sleazy handshakes
seal your fate.

As tanks rolled
towards the Channel
crushing resistance
cowards collaborated
in the game's heartlands.

In the ruins of war
the corrupt hold sway
they steal
your land, your homes
and your name.
They threaten
and they ban.
They imprison
and they kill.
You are forbidden.

When the occupiers
are repelled
and the liberation complete
there is no compensation.
Your land, name and homes
remain stolen.

They can take all these things
but they can never take your pride.
They will never steal your heart
or your soul.

Seventy eight years have passed
and history is made.
Fiers d'être Catalan
Fiers d'être treiziste.

Tim Fellows 2018