TOULOUSE OLYMPIQUE are spreading the net to increase attendances.
Club chiefs are keen to boost ‘fandom’ points in the IMG rankings by attracting more supporters, beginning with a unique double-header involving a Lord Derby Coupe de France semi-final between leading French teams.
Albi will take on Carcassonne before Toulouse’s home Championship meeting with Hunslet on Saturday, March 22.
“We have been working very hard on our exposure to new spectators,” said club director Cedric Garcia.
“For the first time, all of our home games are free-to-view in France, broadcast live on our YouTube channel, and now we are working closely once more with the French Federation to promote our great game.”
Toulouse and the governing body produced a triple-header last year, involving the England and France men’s and women’s teams and Toulouse’s Championship clash with Featherstone.
Garcia added: “We are building on this idea and feel supporters will respond to the invitation, with Albi and Carcassonne both fighting strongly for the top honours in the French game.
“The Coupe de France is a magical, historic competition and we hope the top-quality facilities at Stade Wallon will do it justice.”