courtesy of Cliff at TRL

Interview with Bobby Goulding in Press Dossier issued by FFR13:
Note reference to a third French team.

"Bobby GOULDING’s interview
What reasons motivated you to suggest your candidacy as head coach of the XIII de France?
I am confident in my ability to coach at the highest level and I am ready for a big challenge. I want to be the best, and there is no greater stage as the international one to show what I and my team can do.
How do you analyze the French failure during the World cup 2008?
No team spirit and individuals not performing. The success of Catalan influencing players performance (hard to raise their performance again).
What objects did you define for the coming years?
To assemble a unit of players who want to play for their country.
To combine the two younger age groups; 18‟s – 21‟s with the full international side for training / bonding sessions.
To send the sides into „camps‟ every six weeks for bonding sessions.
To ensure all groups work to the same structure in training and in games.
To be present at all training sessions with all three squads and be present at all international games that the three sides play.
To form a close relationship with Catalan Dragons and Toulouse, especially with their coaching staff. I aim to be present at training for these two clubs or other clubs at least once a week, to build relationships.
To be present at matches in France and in England as often as possible.
To encourage a brand of Rugby that brings people out to watch their national team and to be proud of them.
I will build relationships with Super League clubs to encourage young French talent to play at a high level.
In the next twelve months, I aim to get a third team in the British competition of National League 1 or 2 of a side consisting of all French under 21‟s (with 3 or 4 over age, all French). They will play at a competitive level and become better players in time for the next World Cup.
To get support staff in place i.e. assistant coach, strength, conditioning and skills coach, a team manager, someone speaking both French and English and 1 other coach.

What do you expect from your coming to France?
To coach a successful side of loyal players.
To improve the team and individuals and guide them to success.
To enjoy involvement in the great sport of Professional Rugby League at the
highest level.
To personally compete against the best, i.e. Australia and New Zealand.
Do you think some actual French players already deserve to be in the French team?
If a player is determined to show loyalty, commitment, desire and the skills to perform at the highest level, then the door will never close on them.
Two majors events will occur in 2009. The match between France and England and the Four Nations. How do you intend to get ready for these challenges?
The objects above (1 -11) will ensure a firm foundation to meet these challenges.

.....see Goulding indicated that he would like to add a deputy from England
to his FRXIII coaching team, hinted that he would be an ex captain of the GB team.

My guess is it's Hanley but fear he will be expensive. So can the Federation afford him?

From that interview there's a lot of wishes with no plan to make them reality.

A third French side in the Championship within 12 months? Pipe-dream surely.

But knowing Bobby it's as likely to Gary "I was a great laker, me" Schofield

Oh, don't.

Garry and Bobby, touring 'the schools around Catalan and Toulouse' looking for that one player who might make the difference. Heart warming thought, isn't it?

When asked about his thoughts on the appointment, RFL Chief Executive, Richard Lewis smiled, paused and then said "no comment!"

fills you with confidence eh?

At least he had the good grace not to burst out laughing.