In episode 10 of ‘Talking European Rugby League’ Graeme Thompson meets Ben Araud, who tells the tale about his trip into the unknown as he followed his dream to play Rugby League. Ben later moved into sports management with the RLEF and gives insights into Anglo-French relationships during the first decade of the 21st century. He was at the centre of discussions as a translator, and a critical sounding board to the then-General Manager Kevin Rudd – especially in providing an alternative cultural perspective. Ben now lives in Moscow and looks back at some of the personalities and occasions he was part of at rhe RLEF.