CEDRIC Garcia believes the Super League can target new money if Toulouse makes it to the top division.
And a strong France can do England well because it cannot rest on its laurels in the northern hemisphere.
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Toulouse’s rise could bring new money to the Super League, says Cedric GarciaPhoto credit: SWPIX.COM
Olympique is just one win away from bringing the elite competition to a city of roughly a million people, with the promotion offering two French teams alongside the Catalans Dragons the chance for improved TV coverage and more sponsorship, which means more money .
It would also show more talent on the other side of the channel to the best, which makes the national side stronger, which in turn can strengthen England.
Garcia also believes a derby against the Catalans can draw up to 19,000 fans in 2022, and if they stay on top, 33,000 on the Toulouse football field.
The Toulouse General Manager said: “The north of England is the heartland of the sport, but the market is somewhat saturated and I am convinced that England needs France as much as France needs England.
“We are working with Catalans and the French federation to develop a new strategy for the French market up to the 2025 World Cup in France. I’m sure if France is strong England will be stronger too. We need a strong northern hemisphere.
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French Siad, who won the championship’s Leaders’ Shield, will face Featherstone in the Million Pound GamePhoto credit: SWPIX.COM
“To do that, you need a strong French rugby league, and with two clubs, I am convinced television would do it, the Catalans fought alone.
“We would also bring the Super League to a new city. The entire area has a population of around one million people. If you have big ambitions, the Super League is the competition to compete in.
“If we go up, I’m sure we would sell out Stade Ernest Wallon for a derby against the Catalans that will have around 19,000 spectators. If we stay up, our goal will be to play on the 33,000-seat soccer field. I don’t understand why we can’t reach this number. “
Today’s Million Pound Game offers the prospect of the Super League going to a big city or a pit village between Wakefield and Castleford in Featherstone.
And Rovers’ Dane Chisholm will put aside a lifelong friendship with Jy Hitchcox of Toulouse when he said: “We have always been best friends, godparents to each other’s children, so it will be cool to play against him, but we are” I’m not going to be buddies today. “
