IMG officials spent last weekend in Perpignan getting a feel for French rugby league. Key personnel from rugby league's new strategic partner were in attendance for the Dragons' clash with Leeds Rhinos and spent time with members of the club hierarchy.
The future of French clubs in the RFL league structure has been a big talking point since Catalans coach Steve McNamara hit out at Huddersfield Giants, alleging they had said in meetings with IMG that they brought nothing to the game. At the time, McNamara said: "There is talk this week of Huddersfield saying French teams give nothing to the game in talks with IMG and that French teams should not be in the Super League competition, which is an absolute disgrace.
"What the Catalans have brought to this competition in 16, 17 seasons is on a par with what some of those clubs have brought in 100 years. It's a terrible attitude towards our game and one aspect of the disrespect their club has shown us over a number of times recently, their opinion and attitude towards expansion and French teams in the competition.
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"I hope IMG gets hold of this and look at it from a really broad perspective and do what is right for this game so that we aren't an M62 corridor game in a 100 years' time or that there isn't a game, and don't listen to small-minded people that have their own self-interest at heart."
IMG's fan consultation survey asked a number of questions about the French game, suggesting it's a key topic to address for the sport's future plans. They are expected to lay out their recommendations to key stakeholders the week after the Grand Final.
Catalans were triumphant in their clash with the Rhinos, with the game played in front of 9,802 people.
Catalans have enjoyed success in recent years, winning the Challenge Cup in 2019 and the League Leaders' Shield in 2021. They reached the Grand Final for the first time last season and finished fourth in Super League this term.
But it's fair to say there are naysayers, with some citing the lack of away supporters and commercial benefits having French clubs in Super League brings for the rest of the sport.
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