“Super League needs to know what it wants” Sylvain Houles frustrated after Toulouse suffer relegation
Photo: Paul Currie/SWpix
Toulouse coach Sylvain Houles has called on Super League to clarify what it wants after being left frustrated that his side were relegated after one season.
The French club were relegated to the Championship following a 24-14 defeat to neighbours Catalans Dragons at the Stade Ernest Wallon.
Speaking after their relegation was confirmed, Houles said: “It’s very sad that it has just last for one season.
“We’re so disappointed and frustrated but I guess we were not good enough.
“We have to take a good hard look at ourselves and see where we need to improve.
“At the same time I think Super League needs to know what it wants, what its vision is, do we want to expand?
“We’ve had a lot of adversity and a few unfair calls. We have to learn from that and put some positivity into it.
“We’ve spent an awful lot of money to reach Super League. It will take an awful lot more to return but we need to know whether they just want an English competition or a genuine European Super League.
“We are a strong club and we will rebuild but we need to know if it is going to be worth it in the end or are we throwing lots of money, time and effort down the drain?
“The club will survive but for me it’s a bigger picture, a bigger question. What do we want with rugby league in Europe. This club needs to know if it is fighting a losing battle?”
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Dragons coach Steve McaNamara has always insisted that Toulouse add a lot to Super League; and has backed them to come back stronger.
He said: “It’s a real shame they have gone down. They have invested heavily and they have the beginnings of a great product.
“It’s been difficult for them because as Catalans we had an exemption for the first few years; and we needed that.
“They could add a lot to Super League and hopefully this club will bounce back stronger than ever.”
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