After two underwhelming seasons, Stade Toulousain are setting their sights high for 2023. The Soriano brothers, well-known to French fans, have joined the club. Alexander Perdomo returns to Toulouse after a stint with Sénart. Then there are players currently in the USA who will rejoin mid-season: Kenny Esposito, for example, and especially Mathias Lacombe, who’s been lighting up the radar gun (98mph). Most notably, it’s the return of Randy Perez, a former player who’s back as coach-manager and will bring a fresh breath of energy to the team.
Interview with Yanaël Delpech, President of Stade Toulousain
BTVF: How do you assess the 2022 season?
Quite complicated for us. We lost many players to injuries, and two Spanish players who left for Italy. Quite quickly, our goals shifted from playoffs to simply staying up. However, we’ve strengthened the squad in the face of adversity.
BTVF: What’s your main objective for the 2023 season across all competitions?
To keep our core group of players with some specific recruitment: no foreign imports who only stay for one season. The long-term project is important. Many players live in Toulouse and should be able to play with us. Then, a lot of recruitment from the France Pole, with five players joining us.
BTVF: What collective strengths will you rely on to tackle each match?
We have players who live in Toulouse, and the family aspect of the team is crucial. We also have a structure built on discipline and seriousness, with a desire to have fun on the field. So, a balance between seriousness, fun, and the family aspect. These are the values of Stade Toulousain that we share with all sports, like Rugby.
BTVF: In your view, what approach best suits your club regarding new players?
Building hype by announcing new players on social media gradually before the season. We don’t really have any secrets to keep. We do photo sessions without putting the new players on a pedestal. We don’t, for example, have jersey presentations; everyone is treated equally.
BTVF: Do you plan to broadcast matches, and if so, what improvements are you considering for 2023?
More of a medium-term plan. Priorities are on coaching staff first. Then, the field needs maintenance and new facilities. Turning the clubhouse into a real profit center for the club. Finally, having effective communication to attract spectators to the field during matches. The field is well-located, so we should be able to draw more crowds. However, we’re often asked to broadcast, so we’ll do it eventually.
BTVF: What are the advantages and disadvantages, in your view, of having a team in Division 2 in addition to Division 1?
We don’t have a Division 2 team. We’re seriously considering it. We need to reduce the gap between the reserves and Division 1.
BTVF: What major adaptations have you considered in terms of training and recruitment to prepare for the 2024 season (8 teams, JFL players…)?
We’re thinking about it. Our recruitment of polistes is in line with this logic. Five players: Nathan Laot, from Puc, and Ethan Duquenoy, two pitchers. A catcher, Baptiste Blancot, from Aquitaine. Arthur Saumande and Amaury Gegielsky, two outfielders.
BTVF: What do you wish for in 2023?
To reach the playoffs—that’s the main goal—and for the team to be enjoyable to live with and watch.
