London Broncos aim for reach with teen festival

The London Broncos rugby league team this week invited 150 junior players from the capital and surrounding area as the hopeful Super League side looks to expand its reach.

The team, who play out of Wimbledon’s Cherry Red Records Stadium, are into their first season under new ownership after being purchased by an Australian consortium fronted by rugby league legend Darren Lockyer.

And on Wednesday the club hosted the London Broncos Junior Matchplay Festival, aimed at developing skills as part of a wider pathway programme sponsored by Smartway Pharmaceuticals.

To be promoted to the Super League, London Broncos will need to outscore a current top flight club based on a series of metrics devised by major sports media group IMG. 

The controversial rankings see points awarded across a number of sectors, including on-field performance, facilities, crowd numbers and community outreach work.

A London Broncos spokesperson said: “The London Broncos is dedicated to growing community rugby league in London and the south-east.

“In 2025, there were nearly 2,000 registered community players across 25 community clubs. This included nearly 1,000 registered primary and junior players at community clubs, plus another 1,000 primary and junior players at schools.”

The 12-16-year-olds taking part in the London Broncos Junior Matchplay Festival, which took place at former London Irish training ground Hazelwood, could advance into the team’s next age group with time and eventually contribute to the first team on the pitch.

London Broncos are top of the second tier Betfred Championship and looking to finish at the summit of the table ahead of their IMG grading.

“This partnership with Smartway Pharmaceuticals strengthens the support we provide to players across all levels of the club,” said London Broncos co-owner Grant Wechsel. “Their commitment to the Junior Girls Talent Pathway, to our medical operations, and opening the club up to NHS staff and community groups is the kind of support that makes a real difference.