Venue shift for SBW v Folau
Israel Folau and Sonny Bill Williams could clash in one of European football’s grandest venues when their new Super League clubs face one another.
French club Catalans are reportedly considering moving their June 27 home fixture against Toronto Wolfpack to a larger, more glamourous stadium in southern France.
The Press Association reports that Catalans are considering moving the match to either the Stade Velodrome in Marseille (capacity of 67,394) or the Stade Mayol in Toulon (18,200).
Catalans last month made the controversial decision to sign Folau, who scored on his debut last weekend, while Williams joined the Wolfpack after his 58th and final test for the All Blacks at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
The Dragons host Toronto on April 11 but the Press Association report indicates Catalans might switch their second home match against the Canadian side on June 27, a week into the northern hemisphere’s summer, cashing in on Williams’ global pull.
Whatever happens, the stage is set for a blockbuster contest between Folau and Williams, two cross-code stars back in league.
Their returns to the 13-man code which launched their careers differ greatly, but an international clash between the pair is on the cards with Folau and Williams potentially being available for Tonga and Samoa respectively.
After Rugby Australia sacked him last year following his homophobic social media posts, Folau, 30, was offered a career lifeline by Catalans to return to league.
Williams, 34, signed for Super League newcomers Toronto last November.
Folau’s Catalans debut was overshadowed by a fan alleging she was asked to remove a rainbow flag in an apparent protest against the former Wallabies fullback.
Williams played in the opening two rounds for Toronto – both ending in defeat – before returning home for the birth of his fourth child last week.
Their potential Super League match-up in June could be at the Stade Velodrome, the home ground of French football giants Marseille.
It’s one of the most impressive modern stadiums in Europe with a capacity of more than 67,000 spectators.
The Stade Mayol, the home ground of wealthy French rugby club Toulon which holds more than 18,000, is also being considered as an alternative venue to Catalans’ regular home, the Stade Gilbert Brutus in Perpignan (capacity of 11,800).
The Dragons took a home fixture to the Nou Camp in Barcelona, which holds more than 99,000, last May and attracted a record Super League crowd of 31,555 when hosting Wigan Warriors.