SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: Doncaster RLFC vs London Broncos

London Broncos and blood cancer charity DKMS: the perfect match to give hope to blood cancer patients New partnership launched today: inspired by lifelong rugby league fan whose baby son needed a stem cell transplant DKMS will be at Cherry Red Records Stadium for 31 May match day (London Broncos vs. Widnes Vikings) Supporters can join the stem cell donor register with a simple mouth swab Rugby league stars London Broncos and blood cancer charity DKMS have teamed up to encourage rugby fans to become potential lifesavers by joining the stem cell donor register. The new DKMS/London Broncos partnership will kick off in earnest on Saturday 31 May, when DKMS will be holding a special stem cell donor registration event at London Broncos’ match against Widnes Vikings (ticket sales: https://londonbroncos.ticketco.events/ ). This winning partnership, launched today, was initiated by lifelong rugby league fan Andrew Foster, who has campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness of the impact that the lack of a compatible stem cell donor has for people diagnosed with a blood cancer or disorder. Weeks after his birth in 2022, Andrew’s son Rycroft was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Shwachman-Diamond syndrome, and became seriously ill. Doctors told Andrew and his wife Catherine that Rycroft would need a stem cell transplant: testing showed that no one within their immediate family was a compatible donor for Rycroft, so doctors turned to the stem cell donor register, where a match was found. “It’s hard to put into words just what it feels like to hear the news that your child has got a chance,” recalls Andrew. “Within days of his transplant, Rycroft was cheerful and energetic. It gave us crucial hope.” Tragically, Rycroft contracted an infection whilst his immune system was still recovering post-transplant, and died aged just 16 months. “Rycroft was so unlucky not to make the full recovery which a stem cell transplant has offered to so many others, but his transplant gave us more time with him, and every single day was so precious,” continues Andrew. “It’s not until your child needs a transplant that you realise how little most people know about stem cell donation – it’s such an amazing thing to do, and to honour Rycroft’s memory, I wanted to reach more people with that message.”  There is an urgent need for more people to register – a quick and easy process involving some painless mouth swabs and a few questions – as every 14 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with blood cancer.

INTERVIEW: Welcome back Ethan Natoli London Broncos welcomed back Ethan Natoli this week after rejoining the club following a spell in France with Pia. The Italian international spent two seasons in London, joining in 2023 helping the club to Championship glory before a full season in Super League in 2024. Firmly established as a fans favourite the 30-year-old's return has been received warmly by all involved in the Club. You can watch the full interview with Ethan on the link below. #WeAreLondon

London Broncos sign Connor Barley on loan London Broncos can announce Connor Barley has joined the club on a month long loan deal from Hull KR The 20-year-old winger or centre joins the squad this week and is available for selection for Sunday's trip to Doncaster. Barley made is Super League debut for The Robins in 2022 against St Helens and has gone on to play another three times scoring one try. In 2023 he would spend time on loan with York Knights and in 2024 he played 8 times for Featherstone Rovers on dual registration. #WeAreLondon

AUSTRALIA HOUSE GALLERY It was an historic day for Rugby League as Gary Hetherington announced his ownership of the club and plans to bring Super League back to London. The Leeds Chief Executive will relinquish his role after 26 years at the Rhinos at the end of the season before moving his full focus to London. For the full press release of the plans announced today CLICK HERE. It was a room full of incredibly important figures in Rugby League and also within the Australian Embassy. You can take a look through today's gallery for a full run down of today's guests. #WeAreLondon

INTERVIEW: Gary Hetherington on new era at London Broncos Today (May 21st) Gary Hetherington announced a new era for Rugby League in London. Hetherington today hosted a media event at Australia House on The Strand in London, where he outlined plans to develop a new ownership group, launch a new brand for the 2026 season, and committed to reinstating the London Player Academy. He also said the club will remain based at AFC Wimbledon and confirmed a new partnership with international sports advisory firm Freshwater Strategy to revitalise the club. To find out more about the vision and plans watch the full interview below. #WeAreLondon

London Broncos announce new era for Rugby League in London Gary Hetherington has today presented a five-year plan to realise a new vision for Rugby League in London and the South-East of England. Hetherington today hosted a media event at Australia House on The Strand in London, where he outlined plans to develop a new ownership group, launch a new brand for the 2026 season, and committed to reinstating the London Player Academy. He also said the club will remain based at AFC Wimbledon and confirmed a new partnership with international sports advisory firm Freshwater Strategy to revitalise the club. “Rugby League is at a significant moment both nationally and globally, and London needs to be a part of that,” explained Hetherington whose career in Rugby League administration has spanned four decades beginning with the foundation of the Sheffield Eagles club and then since 1996 the revitalisation of the Leeds Rhinos. “Stephen Smith, Australia’s High-Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and his team recognise the importance of Rugby League in terms of our links to Australia and the wider South Pacific – and in a year when we will see the return of the Rugby League Ashes for the first time since 2003, with the First Test at Wembley on October 25, this is the perfect time to consider how best to maximise that potential.

THROWBACK HIGHLIGHTS: Dean Whare Two years ago today we completed the signing of Dean Whare for the remainder of the 2023 Championship season. The New Zealand international had enjoyed a stellar career playing for Manly and the Penrith Panthers for a number of years before joining Catalans Dragons. In just 13 London Broncos appearances, Whare would score 12 tries and rack up a number of try assists making a spectacular impact on the team on the way to promotion. What was your favourite Whare moment in a Broncos jersey? Watch his highlights on the video below. video credit: JBP Sports Edits. #WeAreLondon

ETHAN NATOLI REJOINS LONDON BRONCOS London Broncos are delighted to announce Ethan Natoli has rejoined the club on a deal until the end of the season. The Italian international was a hugely popular figure at the club in his two seasons prior to joining Pia in France’s top division.

Lifelong London Broncos supporter Cliff Dean passes away We are deeply saddened to notify supporters that lifelong fan Cliff Dean has sadly passed away. ‘Cliffie’ was known amongst all London Broncos supporters and his presence at the club will be sorely missed. His brother, Richard has sent the club the following message; “Cliff absolutely loved London Broncos and followed them near and far since the early days at Fulham, even including a trip to Australia to watch them in the World Club Challenge. “Please pass on our thanks to David Hughes and everyone at the club who have looked out for Cliff and made him feel a valued fan.” “Cliffie’, who regularly came along to training sessions to have a chat with members of staff, recently donated his proud collection of programmes which included some from the very early days of the club’s existence. Funeral details will be shared with supporters and Richard has asked for supporters to attend and to wear their favourite London Broncos shirt. His passing will be recognised with a tribute at the upcoming game against Widnes on the 31st. RIP CLIFFIE #WeAreLondon