Toulouse Olympique

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

Internationals 2024 : Women's Northern Hemisphere

Sixteen matches were played, including five in Africa. There are fewer countries where female Rugby League is played than the men so the number isn't surprising. The thing is that most of the matches were World Cup qualifiers so presumably without them there would have been hardly any. 

I'm surprised that the Canada Ravens didn't seem to play any matches and only one in North America. I'm guessing cost is a factor. It's good to see the Netherlands now doing well in the women's game as are Wales and Ireland. England will complete two whole matches this year! The England v France highlights are below.

Sheffield Eagles League Placings : 2003-24

The club was founded in 1984 and in due course made its way into the top flight. However, when a merger with Huddersfield didn't work out, the club was demoted to a lower division. By 2003, the leagues were reorganised and the Eagles were placed in the third division (lower chart). 

It came top in that year but in the grand final of the playoffs it was Keighley that was promoted. Sheffield did win promotion in 2006 with success in the playoff grand final with the Swinton Lions to the tune of 35-10. 

Now in the second division (top chart), they made a home for themselves. Solid performances have been the order of the day without breaking into the top flight. With the just released 2024 IMG gradings placing the Eagles at 21st would suggest any thought of promotion in the future will require some improvements. (See the list by clicking here).

Another issue hitting the club was the coach* being suspended and then banned for eighteen months due to a serious breach of protocol. It seemed to affect the club's performance during the latter part of 2024 and it missed out on the playoffs. Hopefully the club will get through this with minimal disruption. 

*He cofounded the club and has been the coach almost constantly since 1999.