speaking to people connected with Lezignan,the money doesn't seem to be a big problem - to answer a previous question from John_D,the finance comes from a whole host of well established businessmen in the area some from the Narbonne area (just down the road).

Most of the imports will live in Narbonne cos' Lezignan is pretty dead but it's great redeeming factor is it's intense pride and fervent support for it's team of rugbymen

Their aspirations are to join the Championship - the support would certainly be there

With that squad they would do better in the Champ than TO.

probably tho' Lezignan isn't the greatest place to be stuck in for the fans - Toulouse has everything to offer plus easy access for the airport etc - the only negative for me for Lezignan is the access for all the travelling brits - a switch to the Carcassonne ground could work tho'...

An Aude super-club playing out of the Domec would be a better option than FCL going it alone. It was certainly being talked about in the recent past.

are all these coming and goings in french RL anything to do with the admittance of all the french clubs to the NR cup or does it seem like theres an attempt to strengthen the domestic comp?

it's to do with money of course - it's human nature for a pro or semi-pro to get the best deal possible while he's still able to make a living in whatever level of sport

the NR cup is important of course to the french clubs tho' I can't imagine how many british based clubs are happy to travel to france unles they are heavily subsidised by the rfl etc



regarding the 'Aude super club' - it could work if the inter-club rivalries à la Wakey & Cas could be resolved - The Stade Albert Domec IS a great stadium with a 10,000 capacity plus the airport has regular links to the uk of course

Heres one for you guys, Stanley Gene to definitely coach & maybe play at Villeneuve after the 4 Nations!

Does the competition benefit from having one team so far ahead of the rest in terms of finance and resources.

mama mia Phil4.13 another revelation ! but could there be a slight language problem with SG and the south-west accent etc ?

The idea is fascinating tho' and as a fairly regular visitor to the Villeneuve home games it would be great to see him play at that level - they get decent crowds down there and i'm sure he would be a very popular addition/attraction

re-Jimmythecuckoo - no the LER won't be enhanced by Lezignan running away with everything so let's hope the Limoux taffies can provide a bit more competition this season - my outsiders for a top three spot is Carpentras with a few new signings including Said Tamghard who could just make them a bit more competitive

It would be good if Stan could bring a couple of his fellow countrymen with him to bolster the ranks although am hearing that Ricky Bibey is close to signing.

No it doesn't.



Andrew Bentley signed - just announced by fcl13 on twitter - but Kane not following. Place your bets... I'm saying Salford.

I thought Bibey had another years' option on his contract at Centurions ? He would be an ideal replacement for big Chris Feather who added the power up front when he was able to stay fit - RB is a bit younger and hopefully more likely to retain is fitness.

Yeh,I feel Stan would need more people of his own type around him in that corner of France - it can get pretty bleak & miserable even inhospitable in the winter months - last year was a shocker ! it's not exactly the hub of the universe...

Salford would be a good move for Kane,an honest pro who would do a good job wherever he was sent