Toulouse determined to return to Super League in heartfelt goodbye message

Drew Darbyshire 20 Sep 2022 11:34 AM

Sylvain Houles Toulouse Olympique Toulouse Olympique 2023 squad numbers SWpix — Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix

Relegated club Toulouse have thanked Super League for having them in 2022 and say they will return to the top-flight with even more of their French flavour.

Sylvain Houles’ side will play in the Championship next season after their inaugural season in Super League ended in relegation.

The French club sat rock bottom for the majority of the season. They staged a fightback late in the season as they climbed off the foot of the ladder but it wasn’t to be though. Wakefield secured their Super League status for 2023, and ultimately, sent Toulouse down.

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Toulouse send farewell letter to Super League

“Dear Super League, Well, what a wild ride!” Toulouse posted in a farewell message in French and English on social media.

“Although the season did not finish as we expected it to – definitely not like we wanted to – we will take with us so many learnings and a valuable experience.

“We are not going to lie, we are not particularly fond of the three-day trips, the delayed planes, the long wait at airports, the late arrivals, the cost of 27 trips, the three games in eight days schedule, the hail in the lovely northern England, the coronavirus regulations…

“But the show, the thrill, the challenge, the suspense, the stadium atmosphere and the standards of the facilities, the clubs, the friends, the support felt from English fans – it’s simply obvious that we love you and we want to see you again very soon.

“The season did not really start the best it could have. The plan we built to secure our spot in Super League had to be completely changed. We are not feeling any remorse, maybe some regrets with regards to a few games we feel we should have won and were close to… No, we feel grateful.

“For the amount of support we have received, whether it was at home through the fans, the volunteers, the partners and friends who attended the games, or away, for the warm welcomes and the many tokens of affection and support we received.

“A massive heartfelt thank you and à bientôt. We will be back”

“So yes, we have had a lot of fun and we want to be part of you again, dear Super League, and bring out even more of our ‘French touch’ to keep you growing.

“You can count on us to be even more combative, determined, relentless, motivated, hooked, spectacular… and overall, just happy to see you again.”

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