according to league express toulouse will be back in the french league next year. i for one will miss the annual booze up in the south of france, although as a widnes fan im in the position of having perpignan to go to now.
is this a shame? inevitable? or both?
i dont think the 'sexing' up of the championship really happened to be honest. i believe there are stronger and more deserving teams in the french league, toulouse were never the right choice IMO.
Its also mentioned that it is as yet unconfirmed if they will be fielding teams in both the Elite league AND the Championship startiing next year, surely not? they are struggling in the championship as it is, i cant see fielding two teams will improve the situation.

Hopefully to be replaced by Lezignan

Certainly more deserving and certainly a 'Bigger' club in every way.

Toulouse's big problem in terms of player recruitment stems from the likes of Lezignan being able to offer three times the wages that Toulouse can, whilst also cutting out the fortnightly trips over the Channel, oh and leaving your summer free to enjoy the sunshine as well instead of getting smashed about for 80 minutes. And the one big similarity between the English and French cultures is that nobody wants to watch a losing team every week.

There were big rumours when we were there at the weekend that Lezignan will be looking to take Toulouse's place in the league, so it will be interesting to see how the RFL play that one. I can see the potential in Toulouse given the size of the place, but the football team can't even get a look in behind the rugby union, never mind RL, whereas Lezignan is a much smaller town but with a particularly rich RL history and support.

That said, I've got a very light pocket and sunburnt shoulders from the past weekend and I'm sure I could achieve summat similar in Wakefield!

Not read the League Express, but surely the article must imply that Toulouse will be fielding a second team in the Elite League? How can it say in one paragraph that Toulouse are struggling and going back to the French leagues, and the next say the club will be running two sides?

Of course the Championship has been ' sexed up ' with Toulouses inclusion , the fans have been flocking down to watch them play over here

That's the impression I got from the article.

If the RFL had the money and the FRL had the will I'd like to see a shortened regular season and a cup featuring clubs from both side of the pond.

That'll speed up the closure of Championship clubs , excellent idea

Bully for you. Do you support and actively go to watch a championship club?

Thought not.

The vast majority of those who do aren't interested in watching their team play French sides.

According to Ralph Rimmer (RFL) who was speaking on the radio prior to the 9's comp last night, the Championship will remain 'as is' for 2012 with just a few 'tweaks'.
Crowds are down and clubs are only guaranteed 12 home games. This is clearly unsustainable. All clubs should be guaranteed at least 15 or 16 home games.
If another French club take the place of Toulouse next season, will they also get the 3 year 'protection' from relegation ?? This protection hasn't helped Toulouse in building a competititve Championship squad for the last 3 seasons.
2009 - 10th
2010 - 8th
2011 - 11th (so far)

No french team in the Champ and use the £200k+ saved on travel to france to subsidise supporter travel to away games for all 21 Championship clubs

Or just give the season enough structure so clubs get a decent amount of home games and can make more than the mentioned 10 grand through the turnstiles, over the bar etc etc.

The clubs wouldn't get the £10k - it could only be used to subsidise travel. Extra away supporters would help increase income.

But I'm in total agreement with you regards league structure. Regular home games throughout the whole season are needed. Having no home game for several weeks is madness: people get out of the habit of going and easily find other things to do in the summer. (Late) changes to ko times and dates don't help - I haven't bought a season ticket for a few years now as I when buying I wouldn't know how many games I'd miss cos they'd been changed to thursday night!