Season Preview: Toulouse Olympique

Toulouse Olympique made history on Sunday 10 October when they defeated Featherstone Rovers in the Million Pound Game to gain promotion to Betfred Super League. They join the top-flight competition for the first time in the Club’s history whilst becoming the second French team to occupy a place in Super League. Despite a Covid disrupted season in 2021, Toulouse were deserving of their place. They were unbeaten all season and did not play a home game in France until their Play-off semi-final in October.

And no one deserves a chance to test themselves in Super League more than Toulouse head coach, Sylvain Houles. After starring for the club as a player, he took over as head coach in 2012. From there, he has orchestrated the Club’s rise which began in France’s Elite One competition, before the French side returned to the British set up in Championship One - gaining promotion to the Championship at the first time of asking in 2016. Now, six years later, Toulouse embark on a new journey in Super League.

Survival won’t be easy – history suggests that promoted teams find it difficult and Toulouse will be aware of the challenge ahead. Nevertheless, they have a wealth of experience in their ranks and will benefit from playing their home games back in France this year. They will need to ensure that the Stade Ernest Wallon is a fortress and fight for every inch to retain their place in Super League for 2023 and beyond. 

Ins & outs

Ins:

James Cunningham (Huddersfield Giants), Gadwin Springer (Featherstone Rovers), Matty Russell (Leigh Centurions), Chris Hankinson (Wigan Warriors).

Outs:

Remi Casty (retired), Jy Hitchcox (Leigh Centurions), Bastien Ader (Limoux), Johnathon Ford (released).

Ones to watch

2022 stars

Toulouse have a new captain for 2022, Tony Gigot. The recent departure of their former skipper and chief playmaker, Johnathon Ford, will have unsettled the camp so close to the new campaign. But, in Gigot, they have a player of similar ilk that can be the new face of the Super League new boys.

Gigot is a talent – he starred for Catalans and won the Lance Todd trophy following the Dragons historic Challenge Cup triumph in 2018. He’s a maverick in attack and epitomises Toulouse’s free flowing attacking ethos. The French side may need to throw out the playbook at times this season and Gigot certainly offers a point of difference for his side. He will be integral to Toulouse’s success and is a welcome addition back to Super League for 2022.

After a year in the Championship with London Broncos, Chris Hankinson has an opportunity to showcase his ability in Super League once again. Released by Wigan Warriors following the conclusion of his loan deal at the Broncos, some fans were surprised that Wigan relieved Hankinson of his services – particularly after Oliver Gildart’s end of season departure. But Wigan’s loss can be Toulouse’s gain.

Hankinson showed up well during his previous spell in Super League and is an imposing figure in the centres. He offers Toulouse versatility as well – filling in at half-back during their pre-season fixture against Catalans last month. Hankinson will be keen to remind fans that he is a top-level player and will be given the platform at Toulouse to take a lead role during their maiden Super League campaign. 

Next generation

Justin Sangare is a highly rated front rower that has an opportunity to shine for Toulouse this season. He was retained by the Club after starring in the Championship last year despite interest from several rivals. He’s a raw talent that has plenty of potential – a bustling, athletic ball carrier with the ability to bounce off defenders. He will be nurtured carefully this season as he makes the step up to Super League but should revel in the chance to take on some of the competitions best middle forwards. He’s certainly one to keep a close eye on in 2022. 

Defining dates

Toulouse have one of the smallest playing squads in Super League and their squad depth will undoubtedly be tested – particularly during the back end of the year. They face a challenging final month in their bid for Super League success, taking on five of last years top six in their final six games. 

Three consecutive away trips to Hull KR, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors kick starts a challenging final month. That’s followed by a home tie against League Leaders Catalans Dragons in Round 25 before an end of season clash at the home of the Champions, St Helens. Toulouse will be afforded no favours at the end of their first year in the top flight. 

2022 squad

1. Mark Kheirallah, 2. Latrell Schaumkel, 3. Junior Vaivai, 4. Mathieu Jussaume, 5. Paul Marcon, 7. Lucas Albert, 8. Romain Navarrete, 9. Lloyd White, 10. Harrison Hansen, 11. Andrew Dixon, 12. Dom Peyroux, 13. Anthony Marion, 14. Eloi Pelissier, 15. Maxime Puech, 16. Joe Bretherton, 17. Joseph Paulo, 18. Mitch Garbutt, 19. James Cunningham, 20. Ilias Bergal, 21. Chris Hankinson, 22. Gadwin Springer, 23. Justin Sangare, 24. Guy Armitage, 25. Matty Russell, 26. Hugo Pezet, 31. Tony Gigot.