TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE are determined to be in Super League next year – and want to get there by being one of the top twelve clubs under the grading system.
The top flight will expand to 14 teams in 2026, with twelve decided by gradings and a further two clubs chosen by an independent panel chaired by RFL board member Lord Jonathan Caine.
French clubs are coming under intense scrutiny as question marks are raised by some Super League club owners – and new RFL chairman Nigel Wood – about the viability of both Catalans Dragons and Toulouse.
Bradford Bulls, York Knights, London Broncos, Oldham and Widnes Vikings are all expected to be pushing for a place as well as Olympique.
Toulouse chief executive Cedric Garcia is in favour of Super League’s expansion to 14 sides and says the French club is focused on making the top flight.
“We feel it is the right decision to expand to 14 teams to grow the game and to get rid of the loop fixtures,” Garcia told Total Rugby League.
“As far as we are concerned, we stay focused on our goals, which are to win the Championship and be in the top twelve of the IMG gradings.”