London Broncos
Encyclopedia
London Broncos are a professional rugby league football club based in London
, England
. The club has competed in the Super League
competition since its introduction in 1996. Coached by Rob Powell
and captained by Chad Randall
, the Broncos' home ground is Twickenham Stoop Stadium.
The club was formed as Fulham, entering the RFL Championship's second division for the 1980–81 Rugby Football League season. Over the years the club has changed forms a number of times and has been known as London RLFC, London Crusaders and then as Harlequins Rugby League. London's rugby league club has never won a major trophy, but did reach the final of the 1999 Challenge Cup
and finish the 1997 Super League season
in second place.
(1935-36) and Streatham & Mitcham
(1935-36, disbanded March 1937). All were speculative clubs set up by local businessmen purely as money making exercises, and were ultimately driven out of business through poor finances. Thereafter, the sport in England remained exclusively a northern based game for over forty years.
announced the formation of a rugby league team, with the primary intention of creating another income stream for the football club. The Rugby Football League (RFL), keen to try to expand the sport beyond its traditional northern heartland, accepted the new club at once and one of the game's leading players, Reg Bowden, was recruited by the team to act as player-coach. Within nine weeks, Bowden had assembled a team of experienced players approaching retirement, together with a few youngsters. Nearly 10,000 curious fans turned up for the opening game at Craven Cottage
, most of whom, being Londoners, were watching their first ever live Rugby League match. The newly formed side beat highly regarded Wigan
24–5 in emotional circumstances, in what has become a fondly remembered match for those fortunate enough to be present. The new Fulham RL team quickly proved to be very competitive and went on to win promotion at the end of their inaugural season.
After the euphoria that was generated in their initial season, immediate relegation in 1981-82 was a reality check. Despite winning the Division Two Championship the following year, a second immediate relegation coupled with continuing financial losses saw the plug pulled by the parent football club at the end of their fourth season. However, with the backing of supporters Roy and Barbara Close and with an enthusiastic new coach, former player Roy Lester, Fulham RL still had a future.
Fulham played "home" games against Swinton and Huddersfield in Widnes
, Cheshire
in April 1983 as the pitch at the Cottage had disintegrated in the wet winter following the collapse of the main drain to the river under the Miller Stand.
Between 1984 and 1994, the club spent periods based at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
(1984–85 and 1990–93) and at Chiswick Polytechnic Sports Ground (1985–90). They also played several one-off games at football grounds around London such as Wealdstone
, Hendon
, Brentford
and Chelsea
's ground Stamford Bridge
in 1983. In August 1986, Fulham hit a cash crisis and withdrew from RFL 11 days before the start of the season but re-launched in September.
.
The Crusaders moved from Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
to Barnet Copthall
arena in 1993. The RFL briefly owned the Crusaders in 1993/94 as the Bartrams departed.
In the spring of 1994 it was announced that the Australian NSWRL
club the Brisbane Broncos
was buying the London team, which would be renamed 'London Broncos'. Gordon was replaced by a Brisbane coach, Gary Grienke.
In 1996, despite not playing in the top flight, the London Broncos were selected by the RFL to be part of the new Super League
competition on the basis that it was essential for the sport to have a high profile representative in the capital. Former Brisbane Bronco Tony Currie took up the role of Head Coach. The club moved to The Valley, the home ground of Charlton Athletic
. The 1996 season
brought the best attendances since the inaugural season at Craven Cottage
. Tony Rea
retired from playing at the end of the season to take up the Chief Executive role at the club.
After two years they moved once again, to the Harlequin rugby union club's Stoop Memorial Ground. Richard Branson
's Virgin Group became majority shareholders, and the immediate future looked very bright. In 1997, after a remarkably good season they finished second in Super League
. Highlights that year included victories at the Stoop over Canberra
in the World Club Challenge
and Bradford
and Wigan
in Super League II
.
In 1998, as part of rugby league's "on the road" scheme London Broncos played Bradford Bulls at Tynecastle
in Edinburgh in front of over 7,000 fans. Success continued in 1998 with a first appearance in the Challenge Cup
semi-finals, losing to Wigan
. Head coach Tony Currie left the club at the end of the 1998 Super League season
and was replaced by Dan Stains
.
In 1999, the club went one better, having its best cup run to date. Following a famous semi final victory over Castleford
, the Broncos reached the Challenge Cup
final at Wembley Stadium for the first time, but were defeated 52-16 by Leeds. The club sacked Stains after the Broncos endured a long losing streak during the Super League campaign. Tony Rea
was appointed temporary joint head coach with Stains' assistant Les Kiss
. Rea and Kiss managed to steer Broncos out of the slump.
After a second brief spell back at The Valley, fervent supporter David Hughes purchased the majority shareholding from Virgin in a major restructuring of the club. In 2000, John Monie
was appointed head coach. Monie only stayed in the job until the last month of the 2000 Super League season with the club endured a mediocre season during his tenure. Rea took over caretaker coach until the end of the season and Broncos sailed to mid-table security. Rea resigned his Chief Executive role at the end of the 2000 season to become head coach on a full-time basis.
York
made an approach to Virgin to buy the London Broncos in August 2001 and form a merged club under a new name, York Wasps Ltd, to play in Super League.
In 2002, the Broncos moved back across London to play at Griffin Park
as tenants of Brentford FC
. 2003 marked the club's first Super League
play off appearance, losing in the first round to St. Helens 24-6 at Knowsley Road
.
The 2005 season
was marked by significant activity off the pitch as the club welcomed new chairman and majority shareholder Ian Lenagan
who had bought up 65% of the shares. This was followed by the announcement of a partnership with Harlequins Rugby Union Club that saw the side return to Twickenham Stoop
, this time re-named as Harlequins RL for the 2006 season
.
Ian Lenagan
became the majority shareholder in Harlequins RL in July 2005. The new franchise started 2006 with a goal of 5,500 average home ground attendance by mid 2007.
On 8 July 2006, after a disappointing run of form for the team, the Harlequins Rugby League club announced a re-organisation of the coaching set-up. Rea was replaced as head coach by the Leeds Rhinos
' assistant coach Brian McDermott
and was appointed to a position on the club's board of directors.
The team completed its first season as Harlequins RL with 7th place in Super League XI
. Although finishing strongly to avoid relegation, the run of four consecutive home defeats at the start of the season proved difficult to overcome.
A key factor was that the Rugby Football League allowed Chairman Ian Lenagan
to became owner of his home town club Wigan Warriors
in 2007 but did not force him to sell his controlling share. His associates Chairman Keith Hogg, who lived in Scotland and CEO Paul Brown were put in place as a short-term measure but no financial investment was made. David Hughes as minority shareholder effectively had to pay the considerable playing costs himself.
Not surprisingly, with a limited playing budget there was a sharp decline in playing standards which correlated with the departures of the likes of Henry Paul, Mark McLinden and Scott Hill and recruitment of new acquisitions who were frequently unavailable; some failed to play a single game such as Henry Fa'afili and Sione Haumuina whilst others were injured the majority of the time such as Chad Robinson and Luke Williamson.
McDermott presided over four seasons of Harlequins RL decline from 2007 to 2010, with the club dropping to 9th in both 2007 and 2008 and then falling to 11th in 2009 before dropping to 13th in his last season, 2010. In 2010, with a couple of games to go the Catalans in last position played Harlequins whom were next to last in what was effectively a 'wooden spoon decider'. Quins RL were winning by a handful of points and in the 78th minute Will Sharp took the ball from a Catalans hand in his own in-goal area, thus just avoiding the ignominy of a bottom place finish.
Under new coach Powell, 2011 saw the club's best start to a season ever, with three wins from their first three matches placing them at the top of the ladder. Away wins at Leeds Rhinos and St Helens seemed to herald a new dawn, however, the club's run of success was ended with a club record 82-6 defeat to Warrington Wolves
on 20th March 2011 and the team were within a try of losing by the all-time Super League record margin of -80 held by Salford City Reds. Powell has since won only one further match with one draw and thirteen losses as of the start of July 2011.
Losses
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
. The club has competed in the Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
competition since its introduction in 1996. Coached by Rob Powell
Rob Powell
Rob Powell is an English professional rugby league football coach. He is the current Head Coach for the Harlequins club of Europe's Super League....
and captained by Chad Randall
Chad Randall
Chad Randall, is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the Harlequins RL club of Europe's Super League. Randall's usual position is hooker...
, the Broncos' home ground is Twickenham Stoop Stadium.
The club was formed as Fulham, entering the RFL Championship's second division for the 1980–81 Rugby Football League season. Over the years the club has changed forms a number of times and has been known as London RLFC, London Crusaders and then as Harlequins Rugby League. London's rugby league club has never won a major trophy, but did reach the final of the 1999 Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
and finish the 1997 Super League season
Super League II
Stones Bitter Super League II was the official name for the year 1997's Super League championship season, the 103rd season of top-level professional rugby league football in Britain, and the second championship run by Super League.-Season summary:...
in second place.
Previous rugby league clubs in London
Professional rugby league was briefly represented in London in the 1930s by London Highfield (1933), Acton & WillesdenActon and Willesden R.L.F.C.
Acton and Willesden RLFC was a professional rugby league team based at Acton Park Royal in London.Along with Streatham and Mitcham R.L.F.C., the club was an early attempt to establish rugby league in London during the 1930s.-History:...
(1935-36) and Streatham & Mitcham
Streatham and Mitcham R.L.F.C.
Streatham and Mitcham RLFC was a professional rugby league team based at Mitcham Stadium in London. They wore green and white hoops.In the present day, top amateur rugby league side, South London Storm play close to the former Mitcham stadium and a junior Mitcham rugby league side has been...
(1935-36, disbanded March 1937). All were speculative clubs set up by local businessmen purely as money making exercises, and were ultimately driven out of business through poor finances. Thereafter, the sport in England remained exclusively a northern based game for over forty years.
Fulham Rugby League Club (1980–1991)
In June 1980, Fulham Football ClubFulham F.C.
Fulham Football Club is a professional English Premier League club based in southwest London Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Founded in 1879, they play in the Premier League, their 11th current season...
announced the formation of a rugby league team, with the primary intention of creating another income stream for the football club. The Rugby Football League (RFL), keen to try to expand the sport beyond its traditional northern heartland, accepted the new club at once and one of the game's leading players, Reg Bowden, was recruited by the team to act as player-coach. Within nine weeks, Bowden had assembled a team of experienced players approaching retirement, together with a few youngsters. Nearly 10,000 curious fans turned up for the opening game at Craven Cottage
Craven Cottage
Craven Cottage is the name of a football stadium in the Hammersmith and Fulham area that has been the home ground of the association football team Fulham F.C. since 1896....
, most of whom, being Londoners, were watching their first ever live Rugby League match. The newly formed side beat highly regarded Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
24–5 in emotional circumstances, in what has become a fondly remembered match for those fortunate enough to be present. The new Fulham RL team quickly proved to be very competitive and went on to win promotion at the end of their inaugural season.
After the euphoria that was generated in their initial season, immediate relegation in 1981-82 was a reality check. Despite winning the Division Two Championship the following year, a second immediate relegation coupled with continuing financial losses saw the plug pulled by the parent football club at the end of their fourth season. However, with the backing of supporters Roy and Barbara Close and with an enthusiastic new coach, former player Roy Lester, Fulham RL still had a future.
Fulham played "home" games against Swinton and Huddersfield in Widnes
Widnes
Widnes is an industrial town within the borough of Halton, in Cheshire, England, with an urban area population of 57,663 in 2004. It is located on the northern bank of the River Mersey where the estuary narrows to form the Runcorn Gap. Directly to the south across the Mersey is the town of Runcorn...
, Cheshire
Cheshire
Cheshire is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although its largest town is Warrington. Other major towns include Widnes, Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow...
in April 1983 as the pitch at the Cottage had disintegrated in the wet winter following the collapse of the main drain to the river under the Miller Stand.
Between 1984 and 1994, the club spent periods based at Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
The National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace in south London, England is a large sports centre and athletics stadium. It was opened in 1964 in Crystal Palace Park, close to the site of the former Crystal Palace, in the former parkland and also usurping part of the former grand prix circuit.It was...
(1984–85 and 1990–93) and at Chiswick Polytechnic Sports Ground (1985–90). They also played several one-off games at football grounds around London such as Wealdstone
Wealdstone F.C.
Wealdstone Football Club are an English semi-professional football club who formed in Wealdstone, in the London Borough of Harrow, but are currently based a few miles away in Ruislip, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. At present, the club are members of the Isthmian League Premier Division. They...
, Hendon
Hendon F.C.
Hendon Football Club are an English football club based in Hendon, in the London Borough of Barnet. They currently play in the Isthmian League Premier Division.In the 2003-04 season they finished fourth in the Isthmian League Premier Division...
, Brentford
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
and Chelsea
Chelsea F.C.
Chelsea Football Club are an English football club based in West London. Founded in 1905, they play in the Premier League and have spent most of their history in the top tier of English football. Chelsea have been English champions four times, FA Cup winners six times and League Cup winners four...
's ground Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge (stadium)
Stamford Bridge is a football stadium in Fulham, in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, West London, and is the home of Chelsea Football Club. The stadium is located within the Moore Park Estate also known as Walham Green and is often referred to as simply The Bridge...
in 1983. In August 1986, Fulham hit a cash crisis and withdrew from RFL 11 days before the start of the season but re-launched in September.
London Crusaders (1991–1994)
A 1991 name change to "London Crusaders" coincided with an entertaining and slightly more successful period on the pitch. The climax of this spell was a 1994 appearance in the Divisional Premiership Final under coach Tony GordonTony Gordon (rugby league)
Anthony Ralph "Tank" Gordon is a New Zealand former rugby league and rugby union player and coach who represented the New Zealand Kiwis in the 1975 World Cup and coached them to the 1988 World Cup Final.-Early years:...
.
The Crusaders moved from Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
Crystal Palace National Sports Centre
The National Sports Centre at Crystal Palace in south London, England is a large sports centre and athletics stadium. It was opened in 1964 in Crystal Palace Park, close to the site of the former Crystal Palace, in the former parkland and also usurping part of the former grand prix circuit.It was...
to Barnet Copthall
Barnet Copthall
Barnet Copthall is a leisure complex in Hendon, London NW4, near the border with Mill Hill.Today, the complex houses a local authority-owned swimming pool, athletics stadium and gymnasium facilities...
arena in 1993. The RFL briefly owned the Crusaders in 1993/94 as the Bartrams departed.
London Broncos (1994–2005)
club the Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
was buying the London team, which would be renamed 'London Broncos'. Gordon was replaced by a Brisbane coach, Gary Grienke.
In 1996, despite not playing in the top flight, the London Broncos were selected by the RFL to be part of the new Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
competition on the basis that it was essential for the sport to have a high profile representative in the capital. Former Brisbane Bronco Tony Currie took up the role of Head Coach. The club moved to The Valley, the home ground of Charlton Athletic
Charlton Athletic F.C.
Charlton Athletic Football Club is an English professional football club based in Charlton, in the London Borough of Greenwich. They compete in Football League One, the third tier of English football. The club was founded on 9 June 1905, when a number of youth clubs in the southeast London area,...
. The 1996 season
Super League I
The year 1996's Stones Bitter Super League I was the official name for the 102nd season of top-level rugby league football, and the first year of Europe's new championship: Super League. It is also the first season of rugby league to be played in summer...
brought the best attendances since the inaugural season at Craven Cottage
Craven Cottage
Craven Cottage is the name of a football stadium in the Hammersmith and Fulham area that has been the home ground of the association football team Fulham F.C. since 1896....
. Tony Rea
Tony Rea
Tony Rea is an Australian rugby football coach and former rugby league administrator and player. He was the relief head coach of the Brumbies in the Super Rugby competition, following the dismissal of Andy Friend....
retired from playing at the end of the season to take up the Chief Executive role at the club.
After two years they moved once again, to the Harlequin rugby union club's Stoop Memorial Ground. Richard Branson
Richard Branson
Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson is an English business magnate, best known for his Virgin Group of more than 400 companies....
's Virgin Group became majority shareholders, and the immediate future looked very bright. In 1997, after a remarkably good season they finished second in Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
. Highlights that year included victories at the Stoop over Canberra
Canberra Raiders
The Canberra Raiders are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the national capital city of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. They have competed in Australasia's elite rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership since 1982...
in the World Club Challenge
World Club Challenge
The World Club Challenge is an annual rugby league football match held between the champions of the Australasian National Rugby League and the European Super League competitions to determine the world's best rugby league club...
and Bradford
Bradford Bulls
Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
and Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
in Super League II
Super League II
Stones Bitter Super League II was the official name for the year 1997's Super League championship season, the 103rd season of top-level professional rugby league football in Britain, and the second championship run by Super League.-Season summary:...
.
In 1998, as part of rugby league's "on the road" scheme London Broncos played Bradford Bulls at Tynecastle
Tynecastle Stadium
Tynecastle Stadium is a football stadium situated in the Gorgie area of Edinburgh, Scotland, which is the home ground of Scottish Premier League club Hearts. Tynecastle has a seating capacity of 17,420, which makes it the seventh largest football stadium in Scotland...
in Edinburgh in front of over 7,000 fans. Success continued in 1998 with a first appearance in the Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
semi-finals, losing to Wigan
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
. Head coach Tony Currie left the club at the end of the 1998 Super League season
Super League III
-Dream Team:The Super League Dream Team for the 1998 season was: 1 Kris Radlinski 2 Jason Robinson 3 Gary Connolly 4 ? 5 Anthony Sullivan 6 Iestyn Harris 7 Gavin Clinch 8 Dale Laughton 9 Robbie McCormack 10 ? 11 Steele Retchless 12 ? 13 ?-External links:**...
and was replaced by Dan Stains
Dan Stains
Dan Stains is an Australian former rugby league footballer and coach. He played primarily for the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, usually as a , and as a .He played for Halifax and captained Cronulla...
.
In 1999, the club went one better, having its best cup run to date. Following a famous semi final victory over Castleford
Castleford Tigers
Castleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
, the Broncos reached the Challenge Cup
Challenge Cup
The Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
final at Wembley Stadium for the first time, but were defeated 52-16 by Leeds. The club sacked Stains after the Broncos endured a long losing streak during the Super League campaign. Tony Rea
Tony Rea
Tony Rea is an Australian rugby football coach and former rugby league administrator and player. He was the relief head coach of the Brumbies in the Super Rugby competition, following the dismissal of Andy Friend....
was appointed temporary joint head coach with Stains' assistant Les Kiss
Les Kiss
Les Kiss is an Australian former professional rugby league player in the New South Wales Rugby League, former rugby league coach and current rugby union coach.- Playing career :...
. Rea and Kiss managed to steer Broncos out of the slump.
After a second brief spell back at The Valley, fervent supporter David Hughes purchased the majority shareholding from Virgin in a major restructuring of the club. In 2000, John Monie
John Monie
John Monie is a former professional rugby league coach and player. He is probably best known for his coaching career where he won premierships in both Australia and England.-Playing career:...
was appointed head coach. Monie only stayed in the job until the last month of the 2000 Super League season with the club endured a mediocre season during his tenure. Rea took over caretaker coach until the end of the season and Broncos sailed to mid-table security. Rea resigned his Chief Executive role at the end of the 2000 season to become head coach on a full-time basis.
York
York City Knights
York City Knights Rugby League Club is a British professional rugby league club hailing from York. They play at the Huntington Stadium, situated to the north of York city centre...
made an approach to Virgin to buy the London Broncos in August 2001 and form a merged club under a new name, York Wasps Ltd, to play in Super League.
In 2002, the Broncos moved back across London to play at Griffin Park
Griffin Park
Griffin Park is a football ground situated in the London Borough of Hounslow, west London. It has been the home ground of League One side Brentford since it was built in 1904. It is known for being the only English league football ground to have a pub on each corner, and is situated in a...
as tenants of Brentford FC
Brentford F.C.
Brentford Football Club are a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One....
. 2003 marked the club's first Super League
Super League
Super League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
play off appearance, losing in the first round to St. Helens 24-6 at Knowsley Road
Knowsley Road
Knowsley Road was a stadium located in Eccleston, St Helens, Merseyside. It was the home of St Helens RLFC from 1890 until its closure in 2010. St Helens Town FC played their home fixtures at Knowsley Road from 2002 until 2010. For a period, the venue also hosted Liverpool FC Reserves...
.
The 2005 season
Super League X
engage Super League X is the official name of 2005's Super League season. It was the 10th season of Super League and saw twelve teams from across England compete for the premiership. The season kicked off in early February, culminating in a six team play-off seriesThe Grand Final, held at Old...
was marked by significant activity off the pitch as the club welcomed new chairman and majority shareholder Ian Lenagan
Ian Lenagan
Ian Lenagan is a Business entrepreneur, theatre producer and shareholder of Harlequins RL & Oxford United FC as well as chairman and owner of Wigan Warriors-Early life:...
who had bought up 65% of the shares. This was followed by the announcement of a partnership with Harlequins Rugby Union Club that saw the side return to Twickenham Stoop
The Stoop
Twickenham Stoop is a sports stadium located in the western suburbs of London, England. The stadium is home to Harlequins rugby union team, who play in the Aviva Premiership, and tenants London Broncos, who play in the Super League...
, this time re-named as Harlequins RL for the 2006 season
Super League XI
Engage Super League XI was the official name for the year 2006's Super League season in the sport of rugby league in Europe. Bradford Bulls were looking to retain the title they won in Super League X....
.
Harlequins (2006–2011)
Ian Lenagan
Ian Lenagan is a Business entrepreneur, theatre producer and shareholder of Harlequins RL & Oxford United FC as well as chairman and owner of Wigan Warriors-Early life:...
became the majority shareholder in Harlequins RL in July 2005. The new franchise started 2006 with a goal of 5,500 average home ground attendance by mid 2007.
On 8 July 2006, after a disappointing run of form for the team, the Harlequins Rugby League club announced a re-organisation of the coaching set-up. Rea was replaced as head coach by the Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League...
' assistant coach Brian McDermott
Brian McDermott
Brian G. McDermott is an English professional rugby league football coach and former player. He started as Head Coach of Harlequins RL of Super League on 8 July 2006 and departs on 4 September 2010.-Biography:...
and was appointed to a position on the club's board of directors.
The team completed its first season as Harlequins RL with 7th place in Super League XI
Super League XI
Engage Super League XI was the official name for the year 2006's Super League season in the sport of rugby league in Europe. Bradford Bulls were looking to retain the title they won in Super League X....
. Although finishing strongly to avoid relegation, the run of four consecutive home defeats at the start of the season proved difficult to overcome.
A key factor was that the Rugby Football League allowed Chairman Ian Lenagan
Ian Lenagan
Ian Lenagan is a Business entrepreneur, theatre producer and shareholder of Harlequins RL & Oxford United FC as well as chairman and owner of Wigan Warriors-Early life:...
to became owner of his home town club Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is an English rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester. The club's first team squad competes in the engage Super League and the team are the current Challenge Cup holders as of the 27th August 2011....
in 2007 but did not force him to sell his controlling share. His associates Chairman Keith Hogg, who lived in Scotland and CEO Paul Brown were put in place as a short-term measure but no financial investment was made. David Hughes as minority shareholder effectively had to pay the considerable playing costs himself.
Not surprisingly, with a limited playing budget there was a sharp decline in playing standards which correlated with the departures of the likes of Henry Paul, Mark McLinden and Scott Hill and recruitment of new acquisitions who were frequently unavailable; some failed to play a single game such as Henry Fa'afili and Sione Haumuina whilst others were injured the majority of the time such as Chad Robinson and Luke Williamson.
McDermott presided over four seasons of Harlequins RL decline from 2007 to 2010, with the club dropping to 9th in both 2007 and 2008 and then falling to 11th in 2009 before dropping to 13th in his last season, 2010. In 2010, with a couple of games to go the Catalans in last position played Harlequins whom were next to last in what was effectively a 'wooden spoon decider'. Quins RL were winning by a handful of points and in the 78th minute Will Sharp took the ball from a Catalans hand in his own in-goal area, thus just avoiding the ignominy of a bottom place finish.
Under new coach Powell, 2011 saw the club's best start to a season ever, with three wins from their first three matches placing them at the top of the ladder. Away wins at Leeds Rhinos and St Helens seemed to herald a new dawn, however, the club's run of success was ended with a club record 82-6 defeat to Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves
Warrington Wolves are a professional rugby league football club based in Warrington, England that competes in Super League. They play at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, having moved there from Wilderspool in 2003....
on 20th March 2011 and the team were within a try of losing by the all-time Super League record margin of -80 held by Salford City Reds. Powell has since won only one further match with one draw and thirteen losses as of the start of July 2011.
London Broncos (2012–)
The club announced on 1 November 2011 that it would be reverting to the London Broncos name from 2012. In addition, the team unveiled a new logo as well as new colors of black, light blue and silver.Previous kits
The different incarnations of the club have each worn different playing kits. The original Fulham team wore an all black kit with a broad white chevron, trimmed with red, on the shirt which was unaltered during that club's existence. As London Crusaders, the kit used the same colours again, but in a variety of designs over the seasons. London Broncos wore red, yellow and blue also in a variety of styles, with red being the predominant colour for the last 5 years of their existence.Honours
- Super LeagueSuper LeagueSuper League is the top-level professional rugby league football club competition in Europe. As a result of sponsorship from engage Mutual Assurance the competition is currently officially known as the engage Super League. The League features fourteen teams: thirteen from England and one from...
: Runners-up 1997Super League IIStones Bitter Super League II was the official name for the year 1997's Super League championship season, the 103rd season of top-level professional rugby league football in Britain, and the second championship run by Super League.-Season summary:... - Challenge CupChallenge CupThe Challenge Cup is a knockout cup competition for rugby league clubs organised by the Rugby Football League. Originally it was contested only by British teams but in recent years has been expanded to allow teams from France and Russia to take part....
: Runners-up 1999 - Division Two Championship: 1982-83
Coaching staff
- Rob PowellRob PowellRob Powell is an English professional rugby league football coach. He is the current Head Coach for the Harlequins club of Europe's Super League....
– Head Coach - Latham TawhaiLatham TawhaiLatham Tawhai is a rugby league coach and former player from New Zealand. He has also represented his country in softball.-Playing career:...
– Assistant Coach - Vacant – Assistant Coach
Current squad
2012 transfers
Gains| Gains | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Previous club | Years signed | Until the end of | |||||||
 Craig GowerCraig Gower Craig Gower is an Australian-Italian professional rugby footballer. He is a dual-code rugby international, having played rugby league for Australia, and rugby union for Italy... |
Aviron Bayonnais Aviron Bayonnais Aviron Bayonnais is a French rugby union club from Bayonne in Pyrénées-Atlantiques that currently competes in the top level of the French league system, in the Top 14 competition... |
2 years | 2013 | |||||||
 Michael WittMichael Witt Michael Witt is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Harlequins RL in the Super League... |
Crusaders RL | 3 years | 2014 | |||||||
| Mark Bryant Mark Bryant (rugby league) Mark Bryant is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for Harlequins RL in the European Super League. He has previously played for Crusaders RL and Manly Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League.His preferred position is prop.... |
Crusaders RL | 2 years | 2013 | |||||||
 Antonio KaufusiAntonio Kaufusi Antonio Kaufusi is a Tongan-Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the London Broncos of the English Super League. An Australian and Tongan international and Queensland State of Origin representative forward, he previously played for the Melbourne Storm, North... |
Newcastle Knights Newcastle Knights The Newcastle Knights are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in Newcastle, New South Wales. They compete in Australasia's premier rugby league competition, the National Rugby League premiership... |
3 years | 2014 | |||||||
| Shane Rodney Shane Rodney Shane Rodney is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for Harlequins RL of Super League. He previously played for the Penrith Panthers, winning the 2003 NRL premiership with them. and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles whom he won the 2011 NRL Grand Final with... |
Manly Sea Eagles | 3 years | 2014 | |||||||
 William Stewart |
Belfast Harlequins Belfast Harlequins Belfast Harlequins is a multi-sports club located off the Malone Road in south Belfast, Northern Ireland. The club name provides the overall umbrella for rugby union, men's and ladies' hockey and squash... |
2 month trial | N/A | |||||||
 Julien RinaldiJulien Rinaldi Julien Rinaldi is a French rugby league player for Harlequins RL in Super League. He was previously playing/coaching Villeneuve Leopards in the Elite One Championship in France. Rinaldi is a French international... |
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... |
2 years | 2013 | |||||||
 Michael RobertsonMichael Robertson (rugby league) Michael Robertson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for London Broncos of Super League... |
Manly Sea Eagles | 1 year | 2012 | |||||||
 Liam ColbonLiam Colbon Liam Colbon is an English professional rugby league footballer for Harlequins RL of Super League. He plays winger and formerly played for Wigan Warriors and Hull KR.-Early career:... |
Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006... |
2 years | 2013 | |||||||
| Matt Cook |
Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers Hull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006... |
2 years | 2013 | |||||||
| Jarrad Hickey Jarrad Hickey Jarrad Hickey is a rugby league player for Harlequins RL in the European Super League.Previously with Canterbury Bulldogs he played several games for the club in 2006 off the bench. He is eligible for Ireland. Hickey has been given the nickname OAF, Hickman and Luva by Bulldogs supporters.He used... |
Wakefield Wakefield Trinity Wildcats Wakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts... |
1 year | 2012 | |||||||
Losses
| Losses | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player | Signed for | Years signed | Date | |||||||
| Rob Purdham Rob Purdham Rob Purdham is a retired English professional rugby league footballer. An England international representative loose forward, he previously played for Whitehaven and Harlequins. Purdham can also operate as a stand-off, as a centre or in the second row. He has even played international football at... |
Retired | July 2011 | ||||||||
| Luke Gale Luke Gale Luke Gale is a rugby league player for Harlequins Rugby League in the European Super League. He plays on as a stand-off or scrum-half.... |
Bradford Bulls Bradford Bulls Bradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league.... |
2 Years | July 2011 | |||||||
| Oliver Wilkes Oliver Wilkes Oliver Wilkes, is an English born Scottish professional rugby league footballer for the Harlequins club of Super League... |
Wakefield Wildcats | 2 Years | July 2011 | |||||||
| Andy Ellis Andy Ellis (rugby league) Andy Ellis , is an English rugby league player for Harlequins Rugby League in the European Super League competition... |
Wakefield Wildcats | 3 Years | July 2011 | |||||||
| Danny Ward Danny Ward For the footballer currently playing for Huddersfield Town, see Danny Ward Danny Ward is an English professional rugby league footballer for Harlequins RL in Europe's Super League. His usual position is as at Prop-forward... |
October 2011 | |||||||||
| Dave Williams Dave Williams (rugby league) Dave Williams born in London, England is a rugby league player for Harlequins Rugby League in the European Super League. He plays as a prop.He has signed a new 2 year deal to start from the 2009 season.-External links:**... |
October 2011 | |||||||||
| Nick Kouparitsas Nick Kouparitsas Nick Kouparitsas is an Greek/Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Sydney Roosters of the National Rugby League... |
October 2011 | |||||||||
| Luke Ambler Luke Ambler Luke Ambler is a rugby league prop. Ambler was born in Holmfield, Halifax, West Yorkshire.Ambler made his full debut with the Salford City Reds in August 2008... |
Leeds Rhinos Leeds Rhinos Leeds Rhinos is an English professional rugby league football club based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. The club won the 2011 Super League and became the most successful club in the Super League era, beating St Helens 32-16 on 8th October 2011. Formed in 1890, Leeds competes in Europe's Super League... |
Loan return | October 2011 | |||||||
| Mark Calderwood Mark Calderwood Mark Calderwood is an English professional rugby league footballer who is currently looking for a new club after being released by Super League club Hull. He plays as a winger.... |
October 2011 | |||||||||
| Karl Pryce Karl Pryce Karl Pryce is an English rugby league player who currently plays for Wigan in the Super League competition. His position of choice is on the wing. Pryce previously played rugby league with the Bradford Bulls until 2006... |
October 2011 | |||||||||
| Mike Burnett Mike Burnett Mike Burnett born 6 October 1988 in Hull, Yorkshire, England was a rugby league player for Hull in the European Super League.Mike Burnett's position of choice is as a second-row.-External links:*... |
October 2011 | |||||||||
Players earning international caps while at the club
- David Bishop won caps for Wales while at Hull Kingston RoversHull Kingston RoversHull Kingston Rovers or Hull KR is an English professional rugby league football club based in Hull, England. The club formed in 1882 and currently competes in Super League, having won promotion from National League One in 2006...
, and London Crusaders in 1991…1992(1995?) 4-caps 1-try 4-points - Lamont BryanLamont BryanLamont Bryan is a Jamaican rugby league player.Bryan plays for Harlequins RL in the European Super League having started out as a junior at South London Storm....
won caps for Jamaica while at Harlequins in 2009 against USA, in 2010 against USA and Canada - Adrian CambrianiAdrian CambrianiAdrian Cambriani is a former rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s, and rugby union coach of the 2000s who at club level has played rugby union for Swansea RFC, at club level has coached rugby union for Penlan RFC, and at representative level has played rugby league ...
won caps for Wales while at Fulham in 1981 3-caps - Tony ClubbTony ClubbTony Clubb is an English professional rugby league footballer for Harlequins RL of Super League. An England international representative centre, he has played his whole professional career to date with the Harlequins....
won caps for England while at Harlequins in 2008 against Wales, in 2009 against France and in 2010 against Papua New Guinea - John DalgreenJohn DalgreenJohn Dalgreen is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for , Halifax , Warrington, and Fulham RLFC, playing at , i.e. number 9....
won a cap for Great Britain while at Fulham in 1982 against Australia - Lee GreenwoodLee Greenwood (rugby league)Lee Greenwood born 28 September 1980 is a rugby league player for Halifax in National League One. He plays on the wing.-External links:***...
won caps for England while at London Broncos in 2004 against Russia, and Ireland - Gareth HaggertyGareth HaggertyGareth Haggerty is an Irish international rugby league player. He plays for the Widnes Vikings in the Co-operative Championship. He previously played for Harlequins RL, St Helens, and Salford City Reds all of whom he play in the European Super League.Haggerty's usual position is prop-forward...
won caps for Ireland while at Harlequins in 2008 RLWC - Karle HammondKarle HammondKarle Hammond is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s.Karle Hammond's position of choice was as a /, or /....
won caps for Wales while at London Broncos (1996…?)1999 3(4?)-caps - Solomon HaumonoSolomon HaumonoSolomon Haumono is a professional boxer and former rugby league player of Tongan descent. He attended Christian Brothers' High School, Lewisham and represented them in the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges Australian Schoolboys team 1993.-League career:In rugby league, his preferred...
won caps for Tonga while at Harlequins in 2006 Federation Shield - Martin HerdmanMartin HerdmanMartin Herdman is an actor, boxer and karate student of the 1970s and '80s, and professional rugby league footballer of the 1980s who at representative level has played rugby league for Wales, and at club level for Fulham RLFC, playing at , i.e...
won caps for Wales while at Fulham in 1981…1982 2(3?)-caps - Sylvain HoulesSylvain HoulesSylvain Houles born in France is a rugby league player for Toulouse Olympique in the Co-operative Championship.Houles has previously played for Huddersfield, London Broncos and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the European Super League. He also played for Dewsbury RamsHe is a French international...
won caps for France while at London Broncos in 2001 against South Africa - Steffan Hughes won caps for Wales while at London Broncos 2001(…2002?) 1-cap (sub)
- Thomas LeuluaiThomas LeuluaiThomas Leuluai is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Wigan Warriors in the Super League. His position is at half-back...
won caps for New Zealand while at Harlequins in 2004…2006 - Louie McCarthy-ScarsbrookLouie McCarthy-ScarsbrookLouie McCarthy-Scarsbrook , is an English professional rugby league footballer for St Helens RLFC of Super League. An England international representative forward, he previously played for Harlequins in his home town of London.-Harlequins:McCarthy-Scarsbrook is a product of the Quins RL Junior...
won caps for England while at Harlequins in 2008 Wales, and in 2009 against Wales - Chris Melling won caps for Great Britain while at Harlequins in 2007 against France
- David Mills won caps for Wales while at Harlequins in 2006 against Scotland
- Mick NanynMick NanynMick Nanyn is an English rugby league player. Nanyn's usual position is centre. He is a specialist goal-kicker.Nanyn plays for Leigh, on a loan deal from Harlequins RL in Super League. He also plays for Scotland....
won caps for Scotland while at Harlequins in 2008 RLWC - Jamie O'CallaghanJamie O'CallaghanJamie O'Callaghan , is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Harlequins club of Super League. An Ireland international representative back, he has played his entire top-grade career to date at Harlequins.He was named in the Ireland squad for the 2010 European Cup- External links :*...
won caps for Ireland while at Harlequins in 2010 against Wales, Scotland and France - Rob PurdhamRob PurdhamRob Purdham is a retired English professional rugby league footballer. An England international representative loose forward, he previously played for Whitehaven and Harlequins. Purdham can also operate as a stand-off, as a centre or in the second row. He has even played international football at...
won caps for England while at Harlequins in 2006 against France, Tonga (2 matches), and Samoa - Julien RinaldiJulien RinaldiJulien Rinaldi is a French rugby league player for Harlequins RL in Super League. He was previously playing/coaching Villeneuve Leopards in the Elite One Championship in France. Rinaldi is a French international...
won caps for France while at Harlequins in 2007 against Great Britain, and in 2008 against England - Louis Robinson won caps for Canada while at Harlequins in 2011 against Jamaica,1-try, USA away and home 2-points. 3 Caps
- Tyrone Smith won caps for Tonga while at Harlequins in 2006 Federation Shield
- Paul Sykes won caps for England while at London Broncos in 2005 against France, and New Zealand, and won caps for Great Britain while at Harlequins in 2007 against France
- Steve ThomasSteve Thomas (rugby league)Steve Thomas is a rugby league footballer who played for the London Broncos. He is a Welsh international.-International honours:Steve Thomas won caps for Wales while at Bradford Bulls, London Broncos, and Celtic Crusaders 1999…2007 4-caps + 1-cap 2-tries 8-points.-References:...
won caps for Wales while at Bradford BullsBradford BullsBradford Bulls is a professional rugby league club based in the city of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. They play in the European Super League and are currently joint 10th in the league....
, London Broncos, and Celtic Crusaders in 1999…2007 4(5?)-caps + 1-cap (sub) 2-tries 8-points
Other notable players
See here for a List of Harlequins Rugby League players.- Yusuf Sozi
- Robbie BeazleyRobbie BeazleyRobbie Beazley born in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia is a former rugby league player.Robbie Beazley's position of choice was as a hooker.While attending Dubbo South High School, Beazley played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1992....
- Richie BarnettRichie BarnettRichie Barnett is a former professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and2000s who represented the New Zealand Kiwis twelve times.-Playing career:...
- Greg BarwickGreg BarwickGreg Barwick is a former Australian rugby league player.Greg Barwick has previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, North Sydney Bears & Sydney Tigers in the NSWRL Winfield Cup and the London Broncos in the European Super League. Barwick was fullback for Penrith in...
- Steve DiamondSteve DiamondSteve Diamond is a former rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at club level has played rugby union for Newport RFC, playing at Flyhalf, i.e. number 10, and at representative level has played rugby league for Wales, and at club level for Wakefield...
- Luke DornLuke DornLuke Dorn is an Australian rugby league footballer who currently plays for the London Broncos club of the English Super League...
- Jim DymockJim DymockJim Dymock is an Australian former professional rugby league international of Tongan heritage who played for the Western Suburbs Magpies, Canterbury Bulldogs, Parramatta Eels and London Broncos...
- Shaun EdwardsShaun EdwardsShaun Edwards OBE is an English rugby union coach and former rugby league player. He is defence coach of Wales, a post he has held since 2008. In November 2011 he left London Wasps after 10 years with the club, latterly as head coach....
- Abi EkokuAbi EkokuAbi Ekoku is a director at international property group Candelisa Resorts. He is a former athlete and rugby league player.Ekoku is the former manager of the Great Britain national rugby league team and was CEO at Bradford Bulls from 2000 to 2003 - a period in which the club became Super League,...
- John GallagherJohn Anthony GallagherJohn Anthony Gallagher is a former rugby union All Black. He was born in London.Gallagher was one of the first of a succession of All Blacks to switch codes to rugby league....
- Peter Gill
- Solomon HaumonoSolomon HaumonoSolomon Haumono is a professional boxer and former rugby league player of Tongan descent. He attended Christian Brothers' High School, Lewisham and represented them in the New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges Australian Schoolboys team 1993.-League career:In rugby league, his preferred...
- Lee HopkinsLee HopkinsLee Hopkins, born 17 February 1978 in Sydney, New South Wales, is a retired Australian rugby league player.Hopkins played for London Broncos/Harlequins RL in the European Super League.Lee Hopkins' position of choice is as a ....
- Mark Johnson
- Tony KaraliusTony KaraliusAnthony "Tony" Karalius is an English former professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at representative level has played for Great Britain, and at club level for Widnes, St. Helens, Wigan, and Fulham RLFC, playing at , i.e. number 9, during the era of contested scrums. Tony...
- Thomas LeuluaiThomas LeuluaiThomas Leuluai is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Wigan Warriors in the Super League. His position is at half-back...
- Zebastian Lucky LuisiZebastian Lucky LuisiZebastian Lucky Luisi, born 22 December 1984 in Auckland, New Zealand, is an New Zealand rugby league player.Lucky Luisi played for Doncaster in National League Two having signed in February 2008 from Harlequins RL.At the start of the 2009 Season he joined championship club Barrow RaidersLuisi's...
- Peter LuptonPeter LuptonPeter Lupton in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England is a rugby league player for the Crusaders in the Super League competition.Whilst his position of choice is as at /, he can also play in a number of other positions...
- Nick Mardon
- Tony MartinTony Martin (rugby league)Tony Martin is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays for Hull FC in the Super League he previously played for Crusaders Rugby League and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats in the Super League...
- Gary Mason
- Feleti MateoFeleti MateoFeleti Sosefo Mateo is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the New Zealand Warriors in the National Rugby League competition. Mateo plays a variety of positions from centre to five-eighth to second row and is renowned for his versatility and extravagant style of play...
- Terry MattersonTerry MattersonTerry Matterson is an Australian rugby league football coach and former player. He has been the coach for the Castleford Tigers of Europe's Super League since 2005....
- Hussein M'Barki
- Shane MillardShane MillardShane Millard is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s.During his career he played for Super League sides London Broncos, Widnes Vikings, Leeds Rhinos & Wigan Warriors as well as gaining recognition in the NRL with Sydney Roosters, Souths and St George...
- David MillsDavid Mills (rugby league footballer)David Mills is an English professional rugby league footballer for Swinton in the Championship as of autumn 2011. He previously played for Hull Kingston Rovers, and Widnes. He is also a Wales international representative. David Mills' usual position is as a prop-forward.David is the son of 'Big'...
- Denis MoranDennis Moran (rugby league)Dennis Moran, born 22 January 1977 is an Australian rugby league player.While attending Duval High School, Moran played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1995.Dennis Moran plays for the Leigh Centurions in National League One....
- Martin OffiahMartin OffiahMartin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
- Bill PedenBill PedenBilly Peden, is an Australian former rugby league footballer.Peden played for the Newcastle Knights in the NRL competition and London Broncos in the European Super League....
- Tony ReaTony ReaTony Rea is an Australian rugby football coach and former rugby league administrator and player. He was the relief head coach of the Brumbies in the Super Rugby competition, following the dismissal of Andy Friend....
- Steele RetchlessSteele RetchlessSteele Retchless is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and London Broncos, primarily in the second row...
- Scott Roskell
- Steve Rosolen
- Tyrone Smith
- Ady SpencerAdy SpencerAdy Spencer born in Warrington, Cheshire, England is a former professional rugby league player. He made history at University as the first player to win full Cambridge blues in both Rugby Union and Rugby League. He was regarded as the instrumental Cambridge player in the period of dominance over...
- Wayne SykesWayne SykesWayne Sykes in Stoke-On-Trent, Staffordshire, England is a former Rugby League player for the London Broncos in the Super League competition....
- Tulsen TollettTulsen TollettTulsen Tollett is an ex-professional rugby league player who played for Penrith Panthers and Parramatta Eels in Australia's elite ARL competition, and also for London Broncos in the European Super League....
- Danny Williams
Individual player records
- Most tries in a game: 5 by Martin OffiahMartin OffiahMartin Offiah MBE is an English former rugby league and rugby union footballer.He is known as "Chariots" Offiah after the film Chariots of Fire...
vs WhitehavenWhitehaven RLFCWhitehaven RLFC is a rugby league club playing in Whitehaven in West Cumbria. They play in Co-operative Championship. Their stadium is called the Recreation Ground...
, 14 March 1999 - Most tries in a season (any competition): 43 by Mark Johnson, 1993-94
- Most tries in a season (Super League): 24 by Denis MoranDennis Moran (rugby league)Dennis Moran, born 22 January 1977 is an Australian rugby league player.While attending Duval High School, Moran played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1995.Dennis Moran plays for the Leigh Centurions in National League One....
, 2003 - Most career tries (any competition): 86 by Scott Roskell, 1992–97
- Most career tries (Super League): 74 by Denis MoranDennis Moran (rugby league)Dennis Moran, born 22 January 1977 is an Australian rugby league player.While attending Duval High School, Moran played for the Australian Schoolboys team in 1995.Dennis Moran plays for the Leigh Centurions in National League One....
, 2001–04 - Most goals in a game (any competition): 13 by Rob PurdhamRob PurdhamRob Purdham is a retired English professional rugby league footballer. An England international representative loose forward, he previously played for Whitehaven and Harlequins. Purdham can also operate as a stand-off, as a centre or in the second row. He has even played international football at...
vs Barrow RaidersBarrow RaidersBarrow Raiders are an English professional rugby league team from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, who are coached by Dave Clark. Formed in 1875 as Barrow Football Club, the club is the oldest of the current professional sports teams in Cumbria....
, 20 May 2006 - Most goals in a game (Super League): 12 by Paul SykesPaul Sykes (rugby league footballer)Paul Sykes is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Bradford Bulls of Europe's Super League competition.Sykes' position of choice is at Right-. He has for most of his career operated at...
vs Wakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
, 27 February 2005 - Most goals in a season (any competition): 159 by John GallagherJohn Anthony GallagherJohn Anthony Gallagher is a former rugby union All Black. He was born in London.Gallagher was one of the first of a succession of All Blacks to switch codes to rugby league....
, 1993–94 - Most goals in a season (Super League): 120 by Paul SykesPaul Sykes (rugby league footballer)Paul Sykes is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Bradford Bulls of Europe's Super League competition.Sykes' position of choice is at Right-. He has for most of his career operated at...
, 2005 - Most career goals (any competition): 309 by Steve DiamondSteve DiamondSteve Diamond is a former rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1970s and '80s who at club level has played rugby union for Newport RFC, playing at Flyhalf, i.e. number 10, and at representative level has played rugby league for Wales, and at club level for Wakefield...
, 1981–84 - Most career goals (Super League): 229 by Paul SykesPaul Sykes (rugby league footballer)Paul Sykes is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Bradford Bulls of Europe's Super League competition.Sykes' position of choice is at Right-. He has for most of his career operated at...
, 2001–06 - Most points in a game (any competition): 34 by Rob PurdhamRob PurdhamRob Purdham is a retired English professional rugby league footballer. An England international representative loose forward, he previously played for Whitehaven and Harlequins. Purdham can also operate as a stand-off, as a centre or in the second row. He has even played international football at...
vs Barrow RaidersBarrow RaidersBarrow Raiders are an English professional rugby league team from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, who are coached by Dave Clark. Formed in 1875 as Barrow Football Club, the club is the oldest of the current professional sports teams in Cumbria....
, 20 May 2006 - Most points in a game (Super League): 28 by Greg BarwickGreg BarwickGreg Barwick is a former Australian rugby league player.Greg Barwick has previously played for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, North Sydney Bears & Sydney Tigers in the NSWRL Winfield Cup and the London Broncos in the European Super League. Barwick was fullback for Penrith in...
vs Castleford TigersCastleford TigersCastleford Tigers are a professional rugby league club based in Castleford in West Yorkshire, England. They participate in the professional European competition Super League. They are sometimes known as 'Cas', 'Cas Tigers', 'Classy Cas' or the 'Black & Amber'...
, 25 August 1996 - Most Points in a season (any competition): 384 by John GallagherJohn Anthony GallagherJohn Anthony Gallagher is a former rugby union All Black. He was born in London.Gallagher was one of the first of a succession of All Blacks to switch codes to rugby league....
, 1993–94 - Most Points in a season (Super League): 290 by Paul SykesPaul Sykes (rugby league footballer)Paul Sykes is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Bradford Bulls of Europe's Super League competition.Sykes' position of choice is at Right-. He has for most of his career operated at...
, 2005 - Most career points (any competition): 772 by Paul SykesPaul Sykes (rugby league footballer)Paul Sykes is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Bradford Bulls of Europe's Super League competition.Sykes' position of choice is at Right-. He has for most of his career operated at...
, 2001–07 - Most career points (Super League): 750 by Paul SykesPaul Sykes (rugby league footballer)Paul Sykes is an English professional rugby league footballer for the Bradford Bulls of Europe's Super League competition.Sykes' position of choice is at Right-. He has for most of his career operated at...
, 2001–07 - Most career appearances: 202 by Steele RetchlessSteele RetchlessSteele Retchless is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and London Broncos, primarily in the second row...
, 1998–2004 - Most tackles made in any Super League Match: 66 by Steele RetchlessSteele RetchlessSteele Retchless is an Australian retired professional rugby league footballer of the 1990s and 2000s. He previously played for the Brisbane Broncos and London Broncos, primarily in the second row...
(against Bradford in 1998. This is an all-time Super League record)
Team records
- Biggest victory (any competition): 82-0 vs Highfield (in Regal Trophy) on 12 November 1995
- Biggest victory (Challenge Cup): 82-8 vs Barrow RaidersBarrow RaidersBarrow Raiders are an English professional rugby league team from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, who are coached by Dave Clark. Formed in 1875 as Barrow Football Club, the club is the oldest of the current professional sports teams in Cumbria....
on 20 May 2006 - Biggest victory (Super League): 72-8 vs Wakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
on 27 February 2005 - Largest attendance (Super League): 29,627 vs Salford City RedsSalford City RedsSalford City Reds are an English rugby league club based in Salford, Greater Manchester. Formed in 1873, they currently play in the Super League. They have won six Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup...
at Murrayfield StadiumMurrayfield StadiumMurrayfield Stadium is a sports stadium located in the west end of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland. Its all-seater capacity was recently reduced from 67,800 to 67,130 to incorporate the largest permanent "big screen" in the country though it still remains the largest stadium in Scotland and one...
on 2 May 2009 - Largest attendance (Challenge Cup): 15,013 vs Wakefield TrinityWakefield Trinity WildcatsWakefield Trinity Wildcats are a professional rugby league club that plays in the European Super League and is based in Wakefield. They achieved promotion in 1999 and have remained in the League since. They are known to their fans as Wakey, Trinity, Wildcats, or historically The Dreadnoughts...
at Craven CottageCraven CottageCraven Cottage is the name of a football stadium in the Hammersmith and Fulham area that has been the home ground of the association football team Fulham F.C. since 1896....
on 15 February 1981
External links
- Official website
- Harlequins RL – News, Interviews & Live Commentaries BBC London
- New chairman takes over at London BBC Sport, 22 July 2005
- Broncos link up with Harlequins BBC Sport, 26 July 2005