The Toulouse Olympique RL Club have been trying to enter Super League (division one). They entered League One (division three) in 2016 and gained immediate promotion to the Championship (division two). After four years, they reached SL but only won five of their 27 matches played and were immediately relegated.
They have since remained in the Championship and 2025 will be their third attempt to win promotion. Now there is a difference. Off field performance is now a major factor in succeeding so the club is pinning its hopes on an IMG grading score to achieve what it hasn't been able to do and that is get into SL and stay there by on field success.
What has been the problem? Spending money on travel, both for themselves and visiting teams is unreasonable and may be at the crux of the matter. Money needed to improve the squad is being taken by travel costs. The playing group therefore simply isn't of Super League quality.
The Catalan Dragons club is now going to pay travel costs both ways as Toulouse Olympique is already doing. They are a finacially well off club that will be able to carry that burden but TO isn't at the same level monetarily.
In 2024, they averaged 2,700 spectators in a city with a metropolitan population of just over a million. The team (Wakefield) that got promoted at their expense in 2024 had over double the attendance figure. Even if they get back into SL via IMG grading, they won't be attracting many fans if they are losing regularly. The squad has to be better but it seems only if IMG points keep them in SL while they build that up.
Sport is expensive and running a sports club is usually a loss making exercise. Some balance the books but few do. Quality players do not come cheap and success on the field is craved by the fans. It's a balancing act to get the best team assembled you can within an acceptable cost. I wish TO the best in their quest for success in SL.
Picture source: loverugbyleague.com
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