NIGEL WOOD has explained that there is “a role” for French clubs within the British rugby league system but that it will have to be on “the right terms”.
Much has been made of the future of French rugby league, with Catalans Dragons and Toulouse Olympique forming key parts of Super League and the Championship respectively over the past two decades.
But, recently, there has seemingly being a sway against the future of French clubs within the British system, leading to question marks over what will happen to both the Dragons and Toulouse.
Charting the initial admission of Catalans to Super League, Wood has explained why there could be opposition to the ‘French question’.
“In 2005, we admitted a French team in Catalans to Super League. Right at the instigation of Super League, there was PSG and it didn’t work out after two years,” Wood told the League Express podcast.
“In and around 2003 and 20024, the International Federation recommended to readmit a French club and the sentiment was that if we didn’t do that, we would lose rugby league in France.
“To their great credit, the British clubs at the time agreed. The objectives were to strengthen a French national team, unlock the European market in terms of broadcast and commercial revenues and the third one was to give British people a different, exciting destination to travel to.
“Have those objectives been delivered? The last one has but I don’t think the other two have been met.
“I think we need to redouble our efforts and remind ourselves of the reason to admit Toulouse and Catalans was to strengthen the French national team and, in reality, it’s gone backwards.
“There is a role for French clubs in elite British competition but on the right terms and if we all understand what we’re trying to get out of it.
“The principal pay master of the British game is broadcasters and owners who are now picking up the tabs. We have to recognise there is no broadcast offer coming out of France.”