The stage is set for a compelling Super League showdown as Toulouse Olympique welcome Hull KR to Stade Ernest-Wallon on Friday night. With both teams seeking to shape their seasons, the contest promises high drama, tactical intrigue, and a host of storylines that have fans and pundits alike buzzing with anticipation.
Toulouse Olympique enter this clash desperate to halt their five-game losing streak. After a strong start to their return to the top flight—claiming back-to-back victories over Wakefield Trinity and Castleford Tigers—the French side have found wins hard to come by. Their most recent outing, a 33-26 defeat to Catalans Dragons on April 4, 2026, extended their winless run and left them searching for answers as the Super League campaign marches on.
Hull KR, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum. Despite an inconsistent start to the season, which included a shock defeat to York Knights and a heavy loss to Leeds Rhinos, the Robins have bounced back impressively. They’ve notched three consecutive victories, including a resounding 48-10 triumph over York Knights to secure a place in the Challenge Cup semi-finals. A win in Toulouse would mark their fourth on the spin and propel them into the Super League’s top six for the first time this year.
The match, kicking off at 18:00 BST on April 17, 2026, will be available live on Sky Sports+, as well as streaming platforms such as the Sky Sports app, NOW, Sky Go, and bet365 Sports Live Streaming. Fans across the UK and beyond won’t miss a moment of the action as these two sides battle it out in the south of France.
Hull KR’s journey to Toulouse is a story in itself. In a bid to minimize disruption and replicate the feel of a typical M62 away day, the Robins have chartered a flight to ensure they travel in and out of France on the same day. Head coach Willie Peters explained, "We’re certainly improving. There’s no doubt about that. We’re not at our best yet – and I want to see what that looks like – but we’re going in the right direction. Once it dries up and the sun’s out a little bit more, I’m sure we’ll start clicking even more." Peters’ optimism is grounded in recent form, but he remains wary of the challenge posed by Toulouse.
Peters added, "They haven’t got a result lately but they’ve been in every game. We know what’s ahead of us this week but we’ve been focusing on getting our end right and making sure we get to the levels we know we can. When we do that, we put ourselves in a strong position. We certainly respect Toulouse and what they’ve done and what they’ll bring. They’re never beaten. That’s what I admire about them. They’ve proved they deserve their spot in Super League."
Team news for both sides carries intrigue and potential impact. Toulouse are without key players Tyler Dupree, Benjamin Laguerre, and Joe Cator, while loanee Tiaki Chan is set to feature from the bench. Former Hull KR forward AJ Wallace will also play off the bench for the Olympians, adding a layer of narrative as he faces his old club. The Toulouse starting XIII features Olly Ashall-Bott at full-back, with Mathieu Pons, Luke Polselli, Reubenn Rennie, and Paul Ulberg in the backline. Playmakers Cesar Rouge and Thomas Lacans will direct traffic in the halves, while the pack is anchored by Lambert Belmas, Brendan Hands, and Rob Butler. The forward unit is rounded out by Mathieu Jussaume, Maxime Stefani, and Anthony Marion.
For Hull KR, several changes have been made to the squad. Captain Elliot Minchella returns to the starting lineup after missing the Challenge Cup quarter-final with a minor hamstring issue. Jordan Dezaria is set for his first Super League appearance for the Robins, while Bill Leyland joins the squad to offer relief at hooker. Karl Lawton, Sam Luckley, and Jack Brown drop out, with Rhyse Martin shifting to the bench. The Robins’ starting XIII lines up with Jack Broadbent at full-back, Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, and Joe Burgess in the backs. Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May form the halves partnership, and the forwards are Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, James Batchelor, Dean Hadley, and Minchella himself. The interchange bench features Martin, Jai Whitbread, Dezaria, and Leyland.
Minchella has been candid about his own form and the team’s journey so far. "I’ve probably not been where I wanted to be in some games, but then some games have been good I suppose. I’ve probably improved – the Saints game and Hull FC were where I wanted to be. But before that, it was a bit hit and miss to be honest," he admitted. The captain’s focus is now firmly on achieving consistency. "I’m trying to be more consistent – that’s what we’re chasing as individuals, and then if you do that, you tend to get a team performance that is consistent. I’ve got things to work on, but I don’t think there’s any panic within the team when things haven’t been going so well. You rely on some good old fashioned hard work and get your head down."
Minchella also emphasized the threat posed by Toulouse, despite their recent struggles. "They’ve been impressive – I think they play a really good brand of rugby. The spine is great – Olly Ashall-Bott, Thomas Lacans has been good and then Cesar Rouge or Jake Shorrocks whenever he’s been playing. They move the ball around well, and they’ve been unlucky in some games not to come out on the right side of the result. We’re aware of their threat, it’s going to be a big game. It’s going to be tough, with a hostile environment no doubt, and we’re going to have to be on to get the two points."
As the defending Super League champions, Hull KR find themselves outside the playoff places but hold a game in hand over their top-six rivals. The stakes are high: a win in Toulouse could mark a significant turning point in their season, while defeat for the hosts could see them slide further down the table on points difference. For Toulouse, a victory would snap their losing streak and re-ignite their campaign, providing a much-needed boost for players and fans alike.
With both teams naming strong squads and each side’s coach and captain highlighting the importance of the fixture, Friday night’s encounter is shaping up to be a classic. Will Hull KR’s upward trajectory continue, or can Toulouse Olympique rediscover the form that saw them start the season with such promise? The answer will unfold under the lights at Stade Ernest-Wallon, with the rugby league world watching closely.
As kick-off approaches, all eyes are on Toulouse to see if they can rise to the challenge, while Hull KR look to keep their winning streak alive and stake their claim for a playoff spot. One thing’s for sure—this Super League clash has all the ingredients for a memorable night of rugby league action.