Super League: between the Catalans Dragons and the Toulouse Olympique XIII, the Audois are leaning towards Petit Poucet
With the arrival of Toulouse in the Super League a few years after the Dragons, will the “Aude” coaches of Elite 1 have a blue and white heart or blood and or this Thursday (8:30 p.m.)?
It’s historic. this year in the Super League, the clubs across the Channel are seeing double. That is to say that for the very first time, not one, but two French clubs are playing with the British: the Catalans Dragons and now the Toulouse Olympique XIII. More than ever, the French are twice as likely not to say their last word in this championship and to continue to exist there more than ever. Something to spice up the ancestral rivalry between the French and the English a little more. To sublimate in adversity against all the boys of perfidious Albion. To stick together a little more each day.
But with the presence of the men of Toulouse captain Tony Gigot in the British competition, if for all the French supporters the blue, white and red heart will beat harder, some will have broken: the Audois. Indeed, this stronghold of rugby league for sixteen years has made its love for this discipline heard through their unwavering support for the Catalan Dragons, figureheads until then. Yes, but here it is, from Aude to Toulouse there is only one step. Who to favor now? Especially when the two teams meet face to face. In Perpignan, which has been fighting to be talked about for years and has managed to make its way, to be more and more accepted? Or Toulouse, which wants to earn its place in the sun by starting by maintaining itself and showing what it is?
The question was put to three Aude coaches: Nicolas Manessi for Lézignan, Frédéric Camel on the side of Carcassonne and finally Maxime Grésèque the Catalan from Limoux. According to them, two “Frenchies” in the Super League, is this recognition for the French formation? What do French players bring to the Super League? Dragons Catalans – Toulouse Olympique XIII, is it finally a derby? Response items.
- Nicolas Manessi, FC Lézignan XIII: “For the family”
“In Lézignan, rugby league is anchored. Between Elite 1 and the Super League, the bridge is made, like what the vintage players Julian Bousquet at the Catalans Dragons and Rémi Casty have become today in Toulouse. It’s a plus to prepare for the World Cup in 2025. To make children dream, it’s important that French players can express themselves in an English championship and be examples in the France team. Benjamin Garcia and Tony Gigot demonstrate that they have qualities and that the French have a less stereotyped game, with more madness. Yes, so it’s a good choice that there are now two French clubs in the Super League. It has a little rivalry. For this, I hope that Toulouse will continue. But I must say that between the Dragons and Toulouse, my heart swings. If I have to play the affective, I will say that I am for TO XIII. However, I trained Lézignan with Sam Moa who joined the staff of the Dragons! But my brother-in-law is Rémi Casty. When he was in Perpignan, as a family, we went to Gilbert-Brutus for ten years to support him. For the family, things have changed today. But I remain a supporter of the Catalans Dragons. »
- Frédéric Camel, Carcassonne XIII: “With Lucas Albert”
“Toulouse deserves its place. In the structures and on the sporting level, a level has been crossed in the professionalism of this club. In Elite 1, we can draw inspiration from all of this. Even if we are not professionals, we try to work identically. Like that after in the Super League, the French players bring their French flair, their skills. The players themselves do not offer a particular register, but they follow the philosophy of the coaches who themselves influence the game. In any case, they show that it is possible to reach a very high level. And to create today a small French derby in the Super League. In addition, these are two cities in the south of France. It brings spice. Quite honestly, personally, I’m more on the side of Toulouse. I will defend Petit Poucet who needs points to maintain himself, because it is obvious that the Catalans Dragons will go to the final stages. I am really the first supporter of the Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique XIII. But, I do not forget that Lucas Albert, opening half of Toulouse, was born in Carcassonne and was trained with us. So I’m on his side. »
- Maxime Grésèque, XIII Limouxin: “Catalan, but…”
“Two French teams in the Super League is recognition for rugby league. Visibility. The goal for us is the former players of tomorrow in the Super League. It’s important to see them climb the ladder and be recruited by the Dragons and Toulouse clubs to play in the English championship. It’s so atypical! We are Latins. Entering the professional streams at this level allows players to progress in skills and tackle techniques. So for all that, and because the Dragons and the Toulouse are in Occitania, it’s a derby that is played, especially for the fans. It recalls what happened with Pia, Saint-Estève and the Catalan XIII in the Pyrénées-Orientales, and Lézignan, Carcassonne, Limoux in the Aude. For the players, it remains a match almost like any other, I think. It’s just that now, between the two, a hierarchy will arise. Me, I have no inclination. I am Catalan. So naturally, I’m for the Dracs. But I’m still divided. Sylvain Houles, the coach of Toulouse, is a close friend. So I would like him to succeed with his team in the Super League. And let it stay there. »