'Steadfastly loyal to growing game worldwide': IRL wishes Luc Lacoste well for recovery

International Rugby League chair Troy Grant has wished deputy chair Luc Lacoste well in his recovery from the health issue that has forced him to step back from his involvement in the game.

Lacoste, who was elected deputy chair at last October’s IRL AGM, announced his resignation as Federation Francaise de Rugby a XIII (FFRXIII) president on Wednesday, due to ill health.

“Luc has been a great friend and supporter for both myself, and the international game,” Grant said.

“He has a strong passion for international rugby league and has been steadfastly loyal to the vision of growing the game worldwide.

“Luc will be greatly missed as he is widely respected and held in the highest regard across the game, but his health is now a priority.

“On behalf of the IRL board and management, and all associated with international rugby league, I wish my friend Luc all the best for a speedy recovery.” 

Lacoste has been a driving force behind the resurgence of rugby league in France since his election as FFR13 president in December 2020.

Luc Lacoste has supported the development of the French women's team

A true internationalist, he was elected as one of three European Rugby League nominated directors on the IRL Board in 2021 and unanimously endorsed as deputy chairman last October.

Just weeks after receiving overwhelming support from French clubs to continue after France withdrew as 2025 World Cup hosts, Lacoste said he was no longer able to fulfil his duties as he will require a long period of convalescence.

Former France captain and long serving FFRX13 secretary general, Dominique Baloup, will take over.

"Being President of a federation requires all your energy and a lot of time devoted to your sport," Lacoste said.

"Being no longer able to fully fulfil this role, at least as I see it, and in view of my health, which has become very fragile, [and] after having ensured that the current secretary general of the Federation was able to take the helm of the boat and manage the situation, I finally listened to my body and medicine, and made the choice to preserve the essential: health".

Lacoste announced his resignation and the appointment of Baloup via a press release issued by FFR XIII.

"I will have spent two and a half intense and exciting years within the federation," he said.

"I thank, for their trust, the entire Steering Committee as well as the clubs, leagues and committees that have always supported me. I would also like to thank all of the Federation's collaborators and partners for the work undertaken.

"It is up to the secretary general, Dominique Baloup, a man with a great capacity for work, a lifelong treizist and a man of convictions, who must now carry out the necessary consultations and organise the follow-up.

"I will never forget the wonderful moments that punctuated these two-and-a-half years. I am deeply sorry for this difficult moment on a personal level, but which imposes itself and obliges me”.

Luc Lacoste was elected as IRL deputy chair last October

European Rugby League chair, Dean Andrew, also sent Lacoste the best wishes of his organisation.

“It is sad that Luc has had to step away from the FFR presidency, but perfectly understandable,” he said.

“In his time at the head of French Rugby League he has brought energy, enthusiasm and innovation to the sport, not only in France but to the broader international game as well.

He has been an inspirational deputy chair of the ERL and laid out a vision for a stronger and more sustainable future for rugby league in Europe.

"Everyone associated wishes Luc a speedy recovery and a big debt of gratitude for setting French rugby league on the path for a successful future."