Wikipedia - Saint-Estève XIII Catalan
Saint-Estève XIII Catalan are a semi-professional rugby league team based in Perpignan in the region of Pyrénées-Orientales in the south of France.
Founded in 2006 following the transfer of Catalans Dragons from the French to British rugby league system, the club plays in the Elite One Championship (the top tier rugby league competition in France), and effectively replaced Catalans Dragons in the French league, and thus is, in effect, Catalans Dragons reserves.
The club takes its name from AS Saint-Estève and XIII Catalan, the two clubs that merged to form Catalans Dragons. They have won the league title once and the cup four times. Their current home stadium is the Stade Municipal and they are coached by Jerome Guisset
History
Background
In 2000 Bernard Guasch managed to bring together two highly successful Perpignan rugby league clubs in AS Saint Estève and XIII Catalan to form one club which he named Union Treiziste Catalane. The ultimate aim was to join the British Super League. After just one season the club won the Lord Derby Cup beating Limoux Grizzlies 38–17. Saint-Cyprien XIII of the Elite Two Championship and also based in Perpignan joined the merger in 2002. After another cup win in 2003, in season 2004–05 they completed a league and cup double and it was at this time that the club presented a business plan to join the Super League. In 2006 they were admitted into the Super League under a new name Catalans Dragons.
Formation
Saint-Estève XIII Catalan was formed following the Dragons' transfer to the Super League, and began competing in the Elite One Championship, bringing back the names of the original clubs pre-2000. The club acts as a feeder team for Catalans Dragons while also providing a Perpignan presence in the French league. In 2016 the club lifted the cup again.
St Esteve is known for their strong and physical style of play, with a focus on powerful forwards and quick, agile backs. They have a loyal fan base and are widely respected in the rugby league community for their skill and determination on the field.
The team has won numerous championships and titles over the years, including the French Elite 1 Championship, the Lord Derby Cup, and the European Super League. They have also produced many talented players who have gone on to play for the French national team and other top rugby league clubs around the world.
Overall, St Esteve is a highly respected and successful rugby league team with a rich history and a bright future ahead of them.