Super League – Several English clubs reluctant to the arrival of Toulouse in the Super League – Rugby à XIII
If Toulouse’s membership in the Super League is unanimous in France, it is not the same story in England.
Some clubs are not happy to see Toulouse Olympique access the Super League. Indeed, many have been mentioned, anonymously to journalist Matthew Shaw, reluctance to receive a new French team in the championship. While the Super League is approaching the RFL because of the impact of the health crisis, some protest against having to travel two or even three times in France.
Others already evoke the financial losses during the Super League final with the presence of the Catalans Dragons and fear that this will be repeated with the presence of Toulouse.
But voices are rising in support of the French club and these do not hide like Gary Hetherington chairman of Leeds and Warrington Wolves CEO Karl Fitzpatrick, who said his club were curious to see what impact Toulouse would have on the competition :
Toulouse have won the right to the Super League so we welcome them eagerly and look forward to competing with a club that has never been to the Super League before. We are curious to see the commercial value that two French teams can bring to the competition, whether it is a French broadcaster, business partners and a base of supporters. As a sport, we need to explore these opportunities. Toulouse is a large city with a population of over 1 million and will bring color and culture to the Super League. Only time will tell if two French teams will add commercial value, but there is no doubt that they have earned the right to compete in the top flight.
Shiny piece of @rosshmediaman for @ RugbyLeagueLiv2 gauge the different opinions of key players in the Super League on the promotion of Toulouse Olympique.https://t.co/wlCPSYnXsn
– Matthew Shaw (@ M_Shaw1) October 11, 2021