Toulouse launch bid for Super League

Drew Darbyshire
Stade Ernest Wallon, Toulouse

Stade Ernest Wallon is the home of Toulouse Olympique

Championship club Toulouse have released a video launching a bid to enter Super League for 2021.

Canadian side Toronto Wolfpack failed in their bid to be re-admitted into the Super League in 2021.

Super League clubs have voted to return to a 12-team competition next season – and Toulouse have launched their bid to join fellow French club Catalans in the top flight next year.

Toulouse chairman Bernard Sarrazain said: “Its region, its city, its economic influence, its stadium and of course its entertaining style of rugby – Toulouse needs to be in Super League.

“Those assets brought to the competition would develop rugby league in France and in the northern hemisphere on the sport side, but also the economy and in terms of media coverage.”

Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles said: “Sport has always thrived thanks to great rivalries and this should inspire us. Toulouse needs to be in Super League.

“Firstly, a historic rivalry for the rugby league world between France and England. With its kids teams, academy, reserves and first teams, Toulouse Olympique is working hard to develop talents for a strong French national team able to compete with England for 80 minutes.

“A spectacular rivalry between Toulouse and the Catalans Dragons with great derbies would create strong interest from new fans, new media and new sponsors for the sport.”

Toulouse business club chairwoman Alexandra Bouloc said: “Toulouse Olympique is making the most of one of the biggest economic areas in the country by building and developing two leading business networks in the city.

“Toulouse needs to be in Super League. This would give great new opportunities for the sponsors of all our clubs.”

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Championship Toulouse Olympique