Sylvain Houles to coach Toulouse in to tenth season

Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles has agreed a new deal to remain as head coach of the French club in the Championship next season.

Houles, 41, has been in charge since 2013 and led the club to Super League, but unfortunately couldn’t prevent their immediate relegation.

He said: “Despite the disappointment of relegation to the Championship, we have learned a lot during this season in the Super League, and we will use it to find it as soon as  possible.

The former outside back first took charge ahead of the 2013/14 French Elite Championship season, leading the club to its first league and cup double.

They retained their league title the following season before re-joining the RFL system in League 1 for the 2016 season.

After topping the table, Toulouse suffered a surprise defeat to Rochdale in the promotion final, but managed to secure promotion to the Championship via the play-offs.

In their first season in the Championship, they surprisingly missed out on a top four finish and a place in The Qualifiers.

They finished third in 2018 and second behind Toronto in 2019, losing out to Featherstone in the play-offs.

The 2020 season was cancelled before they dominated a COVID hit 2021 season, winning all 15 games that they were able to play – all on the road – before beating Featherstone in the Grand Final.

Toulouse president, Bernard Sarrazin said: “First of all, I am very happy to see Sylvain stay with us, we are very grateful for his loyalty to the club. Then, very moved to see that his investment since 2013 will continue, I would like to thank him on behalf of Toulouse Olympique. Now heading for 2023.”

Sylvain Houles passed the 200 game milestone as Toulouse coach during the 2022 season, with their relegation confirmed following defeat to Catalans in late August.

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