BULLS interim coach Leigh Beattie says his side's weekend defeat in Toulouse was a case of "men against boys."

Bradford suffered in the south of France sun on Saturday evening, crashing to a 60-4 Kingstone Press Championship loss to promotion-chasing Olympique.

Despite having a host of players out injured and unavailable, Beattie was making no excuses for his side, who remain rooted to the foot of the table on minus two points.

He commented: "It was very disappointing – that was men against boys with some strong running from them, a couple of harsh calls early on and some bad defending letting them in.

"Toulouse are a decent side but we were unable to stop them playing on the day."

When asked where the Bulls go next after such a comprehensive defeat – to a side they have beaten on home turf this season – Beattie added: "It's simple – we just need to get out of trouble and survive.

"That's the most important thing, and then look to improve the squad next season, although that's not up to me."

Beattie was also encouraged once again by the performances of the club's young guns, with Matthew Storton earning a pro debut and the likes of James Davies and Brandon Pickersgill catching the eye.

"We need to keep this squad together and build," said Beattie, who doubles up as the Under-19s coach.

"Stability is important now the club has been saved. Every game is a big game where we need to try to get the points to keep us safe."

However, the travelling Bulls fans were the real stars of the show on a hugely disappointing day for the Bulls.

"What can I say, the travelling fans are amazing," Beattie said. "They come out in numbers every week to show their support, and they are superb."