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.
