Here's an official response from Toulouse Olympique regarding their view on things. You have to interpret the translation with the intent of the communication, since some of the words will not translate exactly to the English ear: Quote We would like to come back on the post match comments made by Rochdale Hornets CEO and Head Coach. Just after our game last Sunday (24/04), both of them publicly criticized the behavior of our team and qualified it of dirty (biting, eye gouging,…). All this is based on one incident, when Lewis GALBRAITH wanted to rip off the head (or break the neck) of Bastien Ader, with his forearm in the mouth of our player. Everyone can make its own opinion about which team played « dirty », by viewing the video of the game, which is available in streaming on our website. Since Sylvain HOULES, our Head Coach, took his position in December 2013, it is the first time there has been any complaints of such type and they are totally unfounded. We are shocked and still do not understand the purpose of such comments. We are definitely NOT a dirty team. Besides, we would like to remind that we applied to enter in the English competitions because we thoroughly believe it is the only way to improve our level, to develop home grown talents and more generally French Rugby League. We are thankful to the RFL and the British Clubs for welcoming us in League One and we are putting a lot of efforts to bring something to the comp. To achieve our goals, the Club, which is paying for all our team’s travels in all competitions and even for the away teams coming to France in the Challenge Cup, is investing a lot of money and wants to make it a real success. We strongly believe in Rugby League values, such as fairplay and exchange, and we are sure our British friends do as well. Our first 6 games this season were played in a great atmosphere and spirit, with directors, coaches, players and fans, and we will do our maximum to ensure it will be the same if Rochdale comes to Toulouse during the Summer. www.to13.com/2016/04/29/rochdale ... statement/ '" This was a hard game, and Rochdale played well. I noticed the Rochdale and Toulouse players spontaneously shaking hands and embracing after the game. I didn't realise, like the Canadian team, they are paying for the visiting teams to go to Toulouse. Not sure if Mr Kilshaw's guarded rant in the OP is anti RFL/Toulouse/Toronto or the whole World. I continue to be perplexed by the official Rochdale silence on this. Offensive to RL expansion in IMO.

Here's an official response from Toulouse Olympique regarding their view on things. You have to interpret the translation with the intent of the communication, since some of the words will not translate exactly to the English ear: Quote We would like to come back on the post match comments made by Rochdale Hornets CEO and Head Coach. Just after our game last Sunday (24/04), both of them publicly criticized the behavior of our team and qualified it of dirty (biting, eye gouging,…). All this is based on one incident, when Lewis GALBRAITH wanted to rip off the head (or break the neck) of Bastien Ader, with his forearm in the mouth of our player. Everyone can make its own opinion about which team played « dirty », by viewing the video of the game, which is available in streaming on our website. Since Sylvain HOULES, our Head Coach, took his position in December 2013, it is the first time there has been any complaints of such type and they are totally unfounded. We are shocked and still do not understand the purpose of such comments. We are definitely NOT a dirty team. Besides, we would like to remind that we applied to enter in the English competitions because we thoroughly believe it is the only way to improve our level, to develop home grown talents and more generally French Rugby League. We are thankful to the RFL and the British Clubs for welcoming us in League One and we are putting a lot of efforts to bring something to the comp. To achieve our goals, the Club, which is paying for all our team’s travels in all competitions and even for the away teams coming to France in the Challenge Cup, is investing a lot of money and wants to make it a real success. We strongly believe in Rugby League values, such as fairplay and exchange, and we are sure our British friends do as well. Our first 6 games this season were played in a great atmosphere and spirit, with directors, coaches, players and fans, and we will do our maximum to ensure it will be the same if Rochdale comes to Toulouse during the Summer. www.to13.com/2016/04/29/rochdale ... statement/ '" This was a hard game, and Rochdale played well. I noticed the Rochdale and Toulouse players spontaneously shaking hands and embracing after the game. I didn't realise, like the Canadian team, they are paying for the visiting teams to go to Toulouse. Not sure if Mr Kilshaw's guarded rant in the OP is anti RFL/Toulouse/Toronto or the whole World. I continue to be perplexed by the official Rochdale silence on this. Offensive to RL expansion in IMO.

Bastien Ader from Toulouse got 4 weeks, the minimum for biting. But ...... Quote The DVD clearly shows the player being subject to a forceful grapple tackle by the opponent and both players go to the ground. The player has a broken nose and possibly had some difficulty breathing. It is accepted the opponents arm should not have been around the player’s mouth. - See more at: www.rugby-league.com/the_rfl/dis ... fY2Ce.dpuf'" which escaped being put on report, and went unpunished. I don't think Rochdale will be saying anything more, but the next time this coach opens his mouth maybe he'll think twice. What do you think?

Bastien Ader from Toulouse got 4 weeks, the minimum for biting. But ...... Quote The DVD clearly shows the player being subject to a forceful grapple tackle by the opponent and both players go to the ground. The player has a broken nose and possibly had some difficulty breathing. It is accepted the opponents arm should not have been around the player’s mouth. - See more at: www.rugby-league.com/the_rfl/dis ... fY2Ce.dpuf'" which escaped being put on report, and went unpunished. I don't think Rochdale will be saying anything more, but the next time this coach opens his mouth maybe he'll think twice. What do you think?

Not sure if I'm being a bit thick but doesn't it say here -

They are paying for teams to go over during the CC, ie they'll have paid for Leigh to travel to France.

That's correct. To the best of my knowledge Toulouse pay for visiting teams travel expenses.

Toronto will do the same.

The same model was adopted by the Auckland Warriors who pay for all NRL teams to go to NZ.

So each and every week of the season, international clubs are paying team travel expenses. They also are paying for full time squads. That's a massive investment and it needs to be respected.

In RU though, international competition seems to be financed by the Club themselves - they have a lot more money and are developing multi national unions through the IRB to attract sponsors, the like of HSBC etc. Japan, South Africa, Argentina, Australia and NZ regularly fly teams between countries, and are underpinned by the National Unions. The IRB has a long term plan to develop the World 7's circuit which feeds the market further.

For example, the Australian Rugby Union financed the US$4 million loss last year in the long ongoing establishment of 1 Club in 1 city in Australia, to combat expansion against other footy codes, ;ike the NRL [ Melbourne Storm and AFL [ huge in Australia - weekly 250,000 crowds in Melbourne - more for big games .

The RFL/NRL simply do not have the funds or current organisation to expand without Toulouse and Toronto contributing, and the heartland Clubs clearly are not able to invest, except in player development and local grass roots. Toulouse and Toronto can provide aspirations for younger players to travel and populate overseas teams [ somewhat . The bigger picture is however important.

That's why it's vital that international Clubs seed the game and be encouraged to get to top level asap. They also have to become sustainable to support the RFL's plans, especially on a promotion path. Those Clubs have to come out of League 1 quickly or it jeopardizes the system and RL.

There is money to back it up by separating the international sponsorship markets, if the Clubs can get to the top tier, and entertain. Clearly the US has potential, but the model needs to be tested.

That's why I got very irritated with the Rochdale coach for his short sightedness, and potential to disrupt what would ultimately benefit Rochdale themselves, their players and the community. It would be good if he contributed thinking for the good of the game. But then, he may not have been aware - and i cannot judge him for that.

Personally I've never yelled at someone if they invited me to dinner or paid for my flights - so to speak. What I mean is, maybe the Rochdale coach and people like him need to consider why it's in their interests to be a bit more supportive of this international expansion.

I'm sure forums like this can help to get thoughts shared out there to support the RFL cause. It's vital those that love RL get behind the expansion, and help make it work for the good of the game.

snowman, how come this has stuck in your craw particularly, are you a rochdale fan?

That's it. That's all.