Rugby League in France suffers from the same geographical bias as it does in the UK, with the major difference being the number of professional clubs. Elite 1 has 100% very-semi pro sides, elite 2 involves minimal "boot money"......by comparison the game in the UK is in "rude health"
There's also the issue of the bigger more cumbersome elephant in the same area....with the exception of Stade and Racing, the other 12 union sides are competing in the same talent pool......we have just Sale and Newcastle they have 12 Union sides.

Me saying "French players" isn't indicative of me not knowing that there are "English" players in England, but more that there are the shoots of development that started back when Catalans were created and before.

In terms of "parkyboys" agenda and things like TV deals. My own London Broncos are no longer in SL and SKY are paying le for it? Coincidence? Of course it bloody is......SKY don't care if it's London v Wales or Bradford v Leeds.....they just want excitement and Toulouse being in the comp is neither here no there to them......

England RL won't lose to France RL in my lifetime......but Toulouse being in SL will give a few youngsters an alternative to Top 14 and that's a good thing. Isn't it?

Rugby League needs to be doing everything it can to get the new and casual fans who attended the Catalans game last night to firstly the International game in a couple of weeks time and then French league games over Winter and Catalans and Toulouse games next year.

From what I can see it looked a young crowd on TV and you simply can't beat big nights of success like that for winning new fans.

Is also be suggesting to Catalan they get back the the Nou Camp for a game next year, Barcelona FC need any euro they can get and it got a lot of media coverage last time. I'd also love a weekend on it in Barcelona