I see the RFL have now changed the rules for Toulouse.

Typical.

P&R????

Yes they have confirmed to the rugby league express that despite previous indications Toulouse no longer have to appear in or win a grand final so yet again the rfl change the rules to the detriment of the majority of clubs.

After reading the article it appears the rfl did not make this public prior to being contacted by the paper as it transpires by Toulouse saying a top 6 finish will suffice and as a result of this the paper made contact with the rfl.

Absolute disgrace yet again, have the rfl no shame or interst in the british clubs

Toulouse are now saying, they were told this was always going to be the case.
If this is the case then it really is shameful.

Super league 2034 it is for us then

The below is taken from another site, however the link is broken hence the copied version.

The RFL can confirm that the French club Toulouse Olympique will participate in Co-operative National League One for the next three seasons

The Toulouse club have responded to an invitation to the French Rugby League Federation to propose one of their members to join the League. The offer is a new element of the RFL’s ongoing strategy to develop and enhance the Co-operative National League competitions.

The RFL will provide Toulouse with funding to assist them with travel costs and existing Co-operative National League One clubs will also receive additional funding for the same purpose.

The French club will be exempt from relegation in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and will thus be guaranteed three seasons in the Co-operative National League competition.

Commenting, the RFL Chief Executive Nigel Wood said,”We welcome the news that Toulouse have accepted this offer of membership of Co-operative National League One.

“We believe their presence in the League will have significant benefits for the competition and its member clubs as well as Toulouse themselves. Offering a place to a French club will also support the continued development and progress of the French national side and of Rugby League in the country”.

Wood added, “The addition of a European dimension to Co-operative National League One will make the competition more attractive to supporters and potential partners and we now look forward to working with Toulouse to assist them with their preparations for membership”.

Toulouse Olympique will not participate in the Northern Rail Cup competition.

It has also been agreed that in the event that Toulouse wish to make an application to compete in engage Super League in 2012, the clubs must satisfy the same on-field performance criteria as other Co-operative National League clubs and appear in a Grand Final in either 2009 or 2010.
In 2009, in order to allow for existing contractual commitments, Toulouse will be allowed to field five overseas players in their first team squad. This will decrease to two players in 2010 which the RFL believes is the appropriate and fair level for the club to operate at.
In addition, Toulouse have provided the RFL with details of their existing player development structures and clarified their plans to enhance and grow these systems in the short term.

The RFL is also continuing to investigate the opportunities for clubs from other European territories to participate in The Co-operative National Leagues. It is thought at this stage that there is potential to consider a club from Ireland for inclusion in the medium term future.

This clearly shows the rfl are lying either that of Toulouse were misinformed but based on todays admission it is the rfl.

Not sure why but this copied twice.

There going mental on the Widnes forum.All that hard work,money spent for what

Rugby Football League in Changing the Rules after the season has started shocker.

What advantage are they going to get next I wonder?

They get to play both halves going downhill at Cougar Park and Mount Pleasant?

I expect it'll be some kind of handicap where they start 20 points in front, or can borrow any SL player they want or something.
Still, as long as there's another French club in SL, it'll be worth it, eh?

After sending an email to the rfl today this is the response.

Toulouse Olympique and Super League licensing

The RFL has confirmed that Toulouse Olympique do need to appear in the 2010 Co-operative Championship Grand Final to earn the right to apply for a Super League licence from the 2012 season onwards.

Contrary to some reports, the mechanism by which Toulouse can apply for a Super League licence remains unchanged from the position in 2008, when the last round of licensing was completed.

Should they reach the Grand Final, Toulouse Olympique will also have to address factors that are not relevant to UK-based Championship clubs, including how a second French club can add to Super League.

John Ledger
Media Manager
Media
Red Hall, Red Hall Lane, Leeds, LS17 8NB

I think that Toulouse will throw their toys out of the pram now tha the rfl have confirmed they do actually have to reach a grand final before they can even be considered for a franchise.

Assuming the rfl are being honest this time and that Toulouse have no evidence that they were told there was no conditions attached then I reckon they may just well pack in their involvement in the championship.