Toulouse Olympique’s Joe Bretherton: From One-Month Loan to Six-Season Stalwart
When Joe Bretherton joined Toulouse Olympique on an initial one-month loan in 2018, he never could have imagined he would still be there six seasons later. The versatile 28-year-old forward, who progressed through the ranks at his hometown club Wigan Warriors, has become a stalwart for the French outfit, cementing his place in the team and his life in the south of France.
Bretherton’s move to Toulouse has been a life-changing experience. After initially joining on a short-term deal, he quickly extended his stay, eventually signing a permanent contract with the club. Over the past six years, he has witnessed the team’s growth and development, becoming an integral part of Sylvain Houles’ free-flowing, expansive style of play.
“It’s been quite some journey,” the amiable Wiganer tells Love Rugby League. “The culture that Farmer (Houles) has created here is fantastic, and I’d like to think we have a really good relationship. We’re both quite honest with each other, whether it be about performances or just having our say on things.”
Bretherton’s versatility has seen him play a variety of positions, including centre, back-row, prop, and loose forward. He is set to reach the milestone of 100 appearances for Toulouse, a testament to his commitment to the club and the respect he has earned from the organization.
The forward’s personal life has also blossomed in Toulouse, as he prepares to marry his partner, Lucy Langhorne, and their three-year-old son, Bodhi, is growing up bilingual in English and French. Bretherton believes the move to Toulouse has been an “eye-opening experience” and that returning to England would now be “quite a culture shock” due to his adaptation to the French lifestyle.
As Toulouse look to secure their return to the Super League, Bretherton is hopeful that the club’s inclusion, along with that of the neighbouring Catalans Dragons, will help grow the sport in France and across Europe. “Something has to change to make rugby league bigger, and I feel that putting another French club in there is part of the answer,” he explains.
Bretherton’s journey from Wigan to Toulouse has been a story of personal and professional growth, and he remains optimistic about the future, whether it involves staying in France or exploring new opportunities elsewhere. His dedication to Toulouse Olympique has been unwavering, and he continues to be an integral part of the club’s success.
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