TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE chief executive Cedric Garcia has admitted he doesn’t see himself anywhere else but the French club in the future.
Garcia has been with Toulouse since 2007, meaning he will celebrate 20 years at Toulouse next year.
At 43 years of age, Garcia enjoyed a rugby union playing career that spanned 15 years whilst also witnessing Catalans Dragons being admitted to Super League in 2006.
The Dragons did so at the expense of Toulouse, and Garcia has charted his memories of his first involvement with Olympique.
“Coming from a small town near St Gaudens, which has a team in French Elite Rugby League comp, I have always followed Rugby League,” Garcia told League Express.
“I knew Toulouse had lost their bid to enter Super League to Catalan Dragons and I was really interested to lead this project and to achieve this goal.
“While I was working for the organisation committee of the 2007 Rugby Union World Cup, I started meeting with Toulouse Olympique directors in order to build a business plan. I officially joined the club mid-2007, as the only off-field employee.
“The club was quite amateurish back then, with part-time players and not much structure, but with huge potential and a strong sponsor base.
“Year after year, season after season, we grew the club and step by step reached Super League.”
With such an impressive rise, Garcia sees himself as the man to lead Toulouse to even greater development.
“As the club never stopped and always improved, I never questioned myself and my commitment remained the same since day one.
“Having been there for almost 20 years, I have a huge bond with this club.
“We still have a lot of room for improvement and as long as the passion is there and the club continues its progression, I do not see myself anywhere else.”
