We would like to respond to the post match comments made by the Rochdale Hornets CEO and Head Coach. Just after our game last Sunday (24/04), both of them publicly criticised the behavior of our team and accused us of playing dirty (biting, eye gouging,…). All this is based on one incident, when Lewis GALBRAITH wanted to rip Bastien Ader’s head off (or break his neck), with his forearm in the mouth of our player. Everyone can form their own opinion about which team played « dirty » by viewing the video of the game, which is available in streaming on our website.
This is the first time since Sylvain HOULES became Head Coach in December 2013, that there have been any such complaints. They are totally unfounded. We are shocked and still do not understand the purpose of such comments. We are definitely NOT a dirty team.
Furthermore, it is important to remember that we applied to enter the English competitions because we thoroughly believe it is the only way to improve our level, to develop home-grown talent and French Rugby League in general.
We are extremely grateful to the RFL and the British clubs for welcoming us in League One and we are putting a lot of effort into adding something to the competition.
The club wants to make this opportunity a real success. To achieve our goals we are investing a lot of money in the project. We pay for all our team’s travel in both competitions and even pay for the away teams coming to France in the Challenge Cup.
We strongly believe in Rugby League values, such as fairplay and respect, as our British friends do as well. Our first 6 games this season were played in a great atmosphere and with great spirit between the directors, coaches, players and fans, and we will do our best to ensure it will be the same if Rochdale comes to Toulouse during the Summer.
