This Sunday marks a pivotal new chapter for rugby league in the capital, as a revitalised London Broncos take to the field for their Championship debut under ambitious new ownership.
A Phoenix from the Ashes: Australian Rescue Mission
The club's future looked bleak in 2024 when former owner David Hughes put it up for sale, threatening extinction. Salvation arrived from the sport's heartland, with a powerful Australian consortium stepping in to secure its future.
The group is spearheaded by Brisbane Broncos and NRL legend Darren Lockyer, and backed by mining magnate Grant Wechsel and former Leeds Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington. Their immediate aim is a strong cup run this year, with the ultimate goal of returning the Broncos to the Super League, where they would stand as the sole English club south of Warrington.
"It's important to London," Wechsel told City AM ahead of the Sunday 18 January 2026 opener against Widnes Vikings at AFC Wimbledon's ground. "We think it's important for English rugby league that there's a successful footprint in the capital. It makes sense geographically, financially and for television broadcast."
Big Ambitions: From The Stoop to the South Pacific
The consortium's vision extends far beyond the pitch. They plan to host more games at The Stoop, home of Harlequins rugby union side, and actively engage London's large Australian expat community.
With a contingent of players from Papua New Guinea now in the squad, the club intends to stream matches back to the Indo-Pacific island. Wechsel also revealed aspirations for a North vs South showcase event, potentially at Fulham's Craven Cottage.
However, the short-term sporting objective is unequivocal: not just a return to the Super League, but to win it. A crucial first step is proving the Cherry Red Records Stadium – affectionately known as Plough Lane – can be a profitable and engaging home for both loyal and new supporters.
Transforming the Matchday Experience
Central to attracting a broader London audience is a commitment to overhauling the fan experience. "To get a new crowd there and to make it a larger, more sustainable audience, we need to provide a different experience than just relying on the team winning," Wechsel explained.
This new approach will be evident from the very first game, with former England rugby union forward James Haskell acting as DJ and influencer 'Big Bosh John' in attendance. A number of high-profile Australians are also expected.
"When you go to football here, the best part is the crowd singing," Wechsel noted. "But there's no half-time show. If we're trying to attract Londoners, we'll go out of our way to make the matchday experience enjoyable."
The challenge is significant. Rugby league has deep roots in the north, with Wembley's Challenge Cup final and a record Ashes Test crowd last year highlighting the sport's national appeal, but the Broncos have historically struggled to compete. The ambition of Wechsel, Lockyer, and Hetherington is clear, but results are paramount. That journey begins in earnest this weekend at Plough Lane.
