Rugby Union — the French hold sway (4)

I believe the answer is:

rule

'hold sway' is the definition.

'rugby union the french' is the wordplay.
'rugby union' becomes 'ru'.
'the french' becomes 'le'.
'ru'+'le'='RULE'

(Other definitions for rule that I've seen before include "Regulation, reign" , "Regulation, principle" , "Government - measure" , "Govern with straight stick?" , "Regulation, control" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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