As Super League prepares to spread its wings with the arrival of Toronto, Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles believes this time next year it could be ready to embrace a second French team.
Toulouse Olympique have been knocking on the door of Super League for the last three years and Houles believes the club’s move into a sparkling new home in 2020 could be the factor that helps them clear the final hurdle.
After playing the last few years on the outskirts of the city in Blagnac, the Championship club are now housed at the 19,500-capacity, city-centre Stade Ernest Wallon, home of rugby union giants Stade Toulousain.
“It’s a new generation pitch so it’s going to be a fast pitch,” said Houles, who believes it will suit his team’s open, flowing style of rugby. “It’s like a carpet.
“It’s a big ground so it will take some adapting to but it’s a beautiful ground and for the travelling teams, it’s going to add another dimension.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here