Union Treiziste Catalane, planning to enter Super League in February, had intended to call themselves Perpignan, where most of their games will be held.

But to incorporate the whole Catalan region, they will also play at nearby Narbonne in France and in the Spanish town of Figueres.

Les Catalans must wait until 26 May to find out if they have been admitted to Super League.

The French side put their application to the 12 top-flight clubs at a meeting last month and had expected an immediate decision.

We want this team to be as much French as can make it with a mixture of some of the best players in the world David Waite Les Catalans coach

But Super League want more information about finances, players and possible crowds before giving a final answer.

Les Catalans' new director of rugby David Waite, the former Great Britain coach, said the aim was to make the play-offs in their first season.

Waite also announced the club would have 17 French-qualified players in their first season and would be aiming to increase the number to 19 out of 25 by 2008.

"We want this team to be as much French as can make it with a mixture of some of the best players in the world," said Waite.

The club have already signed former New Zealand Test captain Stacey Jones, the 2002 world player of the year, for next year, along with Australian forwards Ian Hindmarsh and John Wilson.

If UTC are given the green light, Super League officials would have to decide whether to relegate two teams at the end 2005 or increase the competition to 13 or 14 clubs.