Sam Rapira: ‘Super League is the ultimate goal for Toulouse’

Drew Darbyshire

Sam Rapira says Toulouse Olympique are aiming high this year, with Super League being the ultimate goal.

The New Zealand international made the switch to the Championship outfit from Huddersfield Giants in the off-season.

And he says the French club are targeting promotion to Super League.

He told loverugbyleague.com: “We want to aim high and Super League is the ultimate goal.

“If we can string a few wins together then there is no reason why we can’t (get promoted). If we are confident and gel together then it is possible.

“It’s not going to be easy – I know that much! There are a lot of quality sides and it will make the Championship a good competition.”

Despite having offers from Australian clubs and Super League, Rapira decided to make the move to Toulouse.

And he revealed why Olympique were the club for him.

Rapira added: “There are a couple of reasons but after talking to the coach and listening to where the club wanted to go, it sounded like it was a good challenge for me.

“It was a good opportunity to move to France and the location is really good as well.

“There have been a few more sunnier days in France (than England) but the boys are really good and the coach (Sylvain Houles) has done well to get them along so it has been good so far.

“I’m still enjoying my football and my body is feeling good as well so we will just see how it goes.”

Toulouse are currently third in the Betfred Championship, having won two of their first three games of the season.

They travel to the Leigh Sports Village on Sunday as they face Leigh Centurions, 5:30pm kick-off.