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NRL gap a factor in France’s heavy defeat by Samoa, says boss

France boss Laurent Frayssinous suggests the gap between the NRL and Super League was a huge factor in their 78-4 defeat by Samoa at the Men's Rugby League World Cup.

By Mike Whalley · BBC Sport

Published: Friday, 16 October 2026 at 12:28 PM

Key Things to Know

Laurent Frayssinous stated the growing gap between the NRL and Super League contributed to France's heavy defeat by Samoa.
Samoa defeated France 78-4 in their Men's Rugby League World Cup Pool B-C match in Parramatta.
Melbourne Storm winger Sua Fa'alogo scored four of Samoa's 14 tries after coming on as an injury replacement.

The Story in 60 Seconds

France head coach Laurent Frayssinous attributed his team's heavy 78-4 loss to Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup to the expanding standard gap between the NRL and Super League. Samoa scored 14 tries in the dominant Pool B-C clash in Parramatta, including four tries from Melbourne Storm replacement winger Sua Fa'alogo.

Frayssinous highlighted that almost the entire Samoa squad competes in the NRL, whereas France is mostly reliant on Super League talent. He expressed support for proposed NRL investment into European rugby league to help elevate skill levels and bridge the competitive divide.

Read the full article on BBC Sport

NRL gap a factor in France’s heavy defeat by Samoa, says boss

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