Toulouse, who were unsuccessful in their application for a Super League licence, will use their guaranteed three years in National One to strengthen their bid for a top-flight licence from 2012.

The French club have yet to formally notify the RFL of their decision, but posted it on their own website before yesterday's deadline for acceptance.

The RFL are to offer financial assistance to both Olympique and the other National League clubs to help offset the additional travel costs.

In a statement, the club said: "The board of directors, in agreement with its partners, has decided to respond positively to the proposal by the RFL, passed through the French Rugby Federation, and accept the franchise for National League One.

"The (move) is a real springboard for the next Toulouse Olympique application for a Super League franchise from the 2011-2012 season.

"Toulouse Olympique will, therefore, continue its aim to meet all the requirements of the specifications of the Super League, one of whose key points is the development of Arnaune Stadium."

Toulouse will withdraw from the French domestic championship, which is due to get underway next month, to prepare for the new National League season in February, but will take part in the Lord Derby Cup, which is the French equivalent of the Challenge Cup.

This week sees the start of the Co-operative National League play-offs with the early highlight being Thursday night's elimination play-off between Halifax and Widnes at The Shay.

Salford and Celtic Crusaders, the two Super League licence winners, have a bye this weekend by virtue of finishing first and second.

The other National One play-off sees Leigh host Whitehaven on Sunday.

In National Two, Gateshead and Barrow have secured automatic promotion and Oldham and Doncaster have byes this weekend when York are at home to Rochdale on Friday night and Keighley face Workington at Cougar Park on Sunday.