Skolars expecting in form Toulouse

The Northern Rail Cup has far from a northern taste in London this weekend, as Skolars entertain Toulouse in their season opener.

The French team have retained their place in the competition, despite dropping out of the Championship at the end of last season and returning to the French Elite League.

Skolars coach Joe Mbu said: “Having played in France, I know how strong the leading sides are in that competition.

“Toulouse have been playing throughout the winter and are very much in form. However, we have home advantage and the weather conditions are likely to be a little different from the south of France. We pushed them hard over there last February and I’m looking to improve on that at the weekend.”

Toulouse lost their last French league game 32-10 against Pia, and will now break from French competition until the completion of the Northern Rail Cup games. They were due to play Villenueve last night (Wednesday) but the game was called off due to bad weather.

They host Keighley at home next Saturday, before a trip to Batley, and then a final home game against South Wales Scorpions on March 3rd.

London also travel to Batley, as well as playing away at South Wales, and host Halifax in their final group game.