0:30 Alex Walker and Rob Butler are just two of the players who have graduated from the London Broncos Academy that currently play in Super League
The player pool in London is huge and as a sport we’re only just scratching the surface. With more time, investment and work in areas in and around London the amount of talent being introduced to rugby league will grow further – and if the calibre of player recruited over the last few years is anything to go by it won’t be long before we see more stars being born in the south of England.
Next November the Rugby League World Cup will stage a semi-final at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium – and when the results of the first ticket ballot were released by the tournament organisers last month it made very pleasant reading for fans of rugby league in the south.
Out of all 61 games to be played during the World Cup, it was the London fixture that topped the ballot demand – with most applications coming from postcodes within the capital. The make-up of those fans who have purchased tickets for the fixture are unknown, but what it does show is that the interest rugby league in London is there.
Rugby league has been enjoyed in London by impressive attendances in the past, just not on a consistent enough basis to make a solid cut through at the highest level. If past marquee games and next year’s World Cup fixture is anything to go by, spectators will watch league in London. With big names on show and strategic marketing to sell the product, they can be reached.
1:42 A crowd of 9,638 turned up to watch London Broncos’ first Super League home fixture in 1996
The influx of potential new league fans in London on the back of next year’s World Cup is something that must be capitalised on. The presence of a Super League side on their doorstep to watch can only help entice them into the sport to become a long-term supporter of the game.
“There’s no Super League without London”, is a very familiar phrase used by their incredibly loyal and long-serving owner and chairman of London Broncos David Hughes – and it’s a statement that’s hard to disagree with.
Super League with a London side just looks more aesthetically pleasing and the size of the competition feels far greater and widespread. The potential new support, player pathway and nationwide appeal of the sport with a London side in Super League is something that should not be underestimated. It’s that potential that needs to be realised and nurtured with a clear strategy.
They’ve been quiet and coy throughout the application process, but one thing is for sure – there will be plenty of noise coming out of the capital if the Broncos are given the green light for a return to Super League next week.
Sourse: skysports.com
