Toulouse Olympique have accepted an invitation to play in the Co-operative National League from next season.

The French club were offered a place in League for the next three years after failing to gain a Super League licence.

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

Toulouse say they will use their time in the National League to prepare for an improved Super League bid in 2011.

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 championship, which is due to get under way 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.