For about the first time in 30 years Stade Toulousain has failed to make the end of season play-offs in French Rugby's Top 14 league. Nor did the traditionally powerful south west club make any headway in the European tournaments. Indeed they are perilously close to the relegation spots.
Marked by financial worries, the change of trainer 2 years ago and the impending retirement of several 30+ players (possibly even Thierry Dusautoir their inspirational skipper) the club needs to rely on its youngsters to see it through the season, before embarking on a "root and branch" reorganisation. It seems the days when French rugby was synonymous with Stade Toulousain are over - for now.
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