2022 Season Review: Toulouse Olympique

2 Oct 2022

History has shown that promotion to Betfred Super League is a significant sporting challenge.

Toulouse Olympique's desire to be at the top table of rugby league in this country had been long-standing and clearly laid out, and in 2022 they finally realised that dream.

But despite many performances of promise, Sylvain Houles' side succumbed to relegation back into the Championship, though promising to return again as quickly as possible and better equipped through the lessons of this year.

Sylvain Houles embodies everything Toulouse Olympique ??

A former player & now the coach who took @TOXIII to Super League ?

Tomorrow, 7pm, he tells his #SuperLeague Story ? In association with Glen's Vodka pic.twitter.com/l5WzePFYyv
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 29, 2022

Their maiden Super League campaign started with major issues off the field, when Mark Kheirallah and Jonathon Ford - the two most influential players in their rise to the top - left the club without playing a game this season.

That left two major holes in Houles' squad, and though he did manage to fill them - with new full-back Olly Ashall-Bott one of their best players throughout the season - it felt as though the French side were playing catch-up from the off.

They did bring in two major mid-season NRL recruits in Corey Norman and Daniel Alvaro, with the latter in particular having a significant impact on the best run of their season.

But despite clawing their way off the foot of the table in July after three straight wins, by August their relegation was confirmed and a rebuilding job lay ahead.

Houles and his staff will look back on a host of narrow defeats, the first of which came by a single point to then undefeated Wigan in early March, Harry Smith's drop goal proving the difference between the sides.

The following week came a first ever Super League win, and against the Champions no less, Paul Marcon's late winner hinting at the undoubted potential in the Toulouse ranks.

Match winner ?

The decisive score that earned @TOXIII their first #SuperLeague win ?#SLTouStH pic.twitter.com/b1BOoY6wVX
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 20, 2022

"We could sense a belief and we know exactly what is needed in this competition and they pulled it out of the bag," Houles reflected after the game.

"It's historic, it's our first win in Super League and it is ironic that it was St Helens. It could only be Toulouse! It is up to us now, it is in our hands to stay in Super League."

Five straight defeats set Toulouse back again, with a four-point home loss to Hull KR particularly frustrating.

Then followed what looked like a crucial win at home to Wakefield Trinity, although again disappointment followed with a single-point defeat at Huddersfield and a six-point one at home to Castleford.

Toulouse's season finally looked to have clicked into gear in July.

A comprehensive home win over Hull KR was followed by a Magic Weekend triumph against Wakefield and then a home win over Leeds pulled them above what looked like a faltering Trinity at the bottom.

What it means ??

The @TOXIII faithful at #MagicWeekend celebrating the win pic.twitter.com/rGw36H4TBC
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 9, 2022

But it would prove to be their last victory, while across the Channel, Wakefield were on the up.

Houles' side were ahead at half-time in consecutive televised games at Hull KR and Warrington, only to fall away in the second half of both, with discipline an issue.

With a run-in that included Wigan, St Helens and Catalans, that was always likely to prove decisive, and so it did, with Wakefield?s late resurgence condemning Toulouse to an immediate return to the second tier.

"I think we can learn a lot from this season," Houles admitted. "We spent five years in the Championship but the Super League is another level. We've to learn from the effort, the details."

Houles had plenty of willing workers within his squad, including winger Matty Russell, who produced some of the best performances of his career.

Chris Hankinson was another constant out wide while Ashall-Bott's signing proved to be a revelation, giving them a real cutting edge at the back to go alongside his six tries.

French international stalwarts Tony Gigot and Eloi Pelissier never wavered in their efforts for the cause, while Alvaro proved a real handful in the front row and Harrison Hansen was typically relentless off the bench.

Alvaro right on target? pic.twitter.com/J4CNKM4PEC
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 4, 2022

But Toulouse perhaps missed that extra bit of Super League experience and quality in those series of narrow defeats, although don't rule out them rectifying that and their league status over the next 12 months.

"We need to make sure we build on things for next season and then I believe we'd be better prepared to take another shot at Super League," Houles said after the final day defeat at St Helens.

"I hope most of the team will stay with us for next season and show the same spirit. We wanted to make sure we finished on a good note and leave a good image of our team on Super League. Super League is a great product and I believe we belong there."

Key man

Olly Ashall-Bott arrived in Toulouse at the end of February after the club agreed a five-figure fee with Huddersfield Giants. Beset by injuries during a career that had taken in stops at Widnes, London Broncos and Salford, it offered the talented full-back an opportunity for a regular Super League spot.

The 24-year-old grabbed it with both hands, proving to be the side's most dangerous attacking weapon and displaying his blistering speed on a regular basis.

Olly Ashall-Bott gives Toulouse fans something to smile about ?#SLTouCat pic.twitter.com/X2s6QRnXiy
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) August 25, 2022

Rising star

Toulouse's squad was light on upcoming youngsters in 2022, with the youngest player fielded by coach Houles being 21-year-old Hugo Pezet, who was limited to just three appearances in total.

But one player to undoubtedly enhance his reputation was front rower Justin Sangare, 24, whose all-action performances attracted the attention of Leeds Rhinos, and who should be one to watch in this autumn's World Cup for France.

Season highlight

Super League survival looked a very real proposition when Toulouse comprehensively beat Leeds 20-6 in searing heat on July 16.

A third straight win, it saw tries from Joe Bretherton, Matty Russell and Latrell Schaumkel to overcome an admittedly youthful Rhinos side, to briefly lift them above Wakefield at the bottom.